Synonym Nuance VS
How to say "Take" in Japanese
Both words can translate to "take", but which should you choose?
Japanese Option A
受け持つ
うけもつ (ukemotsu)
N2 / CEFR Syllabus
VS
Japanese Option B
労する
ろうする (rōsuru)
N2 / CEFR Syllabus
Nuance Contrast & Translation Difference
When translating "take" into Japanese, you must choose carefully between 受け持つ and 労する.
In Japanese, 受け持つ (うけもつ (ukemotsu)) is typically associated with "to take charge of, to be in charge of, to be responsible for" (Syllabus Level: N2) and represents Used when someone is assigned a role, duty, or responsibility, often in educational or professional settings. 任務や職務、授業などを担当する、責任を持つという意味で使われます。.
On the other hand, 労する (ろうする (rōsuru)) maps to "to take pains; to labor; to make an effort" (Syllabus Level: N2) and represents Often used in formal or literary contexts to describe making a significant effort or expending much labor. Can imply difficulty.. A literal translation of "take" can often sound unnatural to native Japanese speakers if mixed up!
Bilingual Context for "受け持つ"
彼は来月から新しいプロジェクトを受け持つことになった。
He will be in charge of the new project from next month.
Bilingual Context for "労する"
この企画を成功させるために、彼は大いに労した。
He greatly labored to make this project successful.
Nuance Mastery Quiz
Which Japanese word perfectly fits this blank space?
Fill in the blank: "彼は来月から新しいプロジェクトを ＿＿＿ ことになった。" (Meaning: "He will be in charge of the new project from next month.")
🎉 Correct Answer!
Remember: "受け持つ" fits here because it means "to take charge of, to be in charge of, to be responsible for" in the context of: "He will be in charge of the new project from next month.". "労する" represents "to take pains; to labor; to make an effort".