Synonym Nuance VS
How to say "Take" in Japanese
Both words can translate to "take", but which should you choose?
Japanese Option A
引き取る
ひきとる (hikitoru)
N2 / CEFR Syllabus
VS
Japanese Option B
受け持つ
うけもつ (ukemotsu)
N2 / CEFR Syllabus
Nuance Contrast & Translation Difference
When translating "take" into Japanese, you must choose carefully between 引き取る and 受け持つ.
In Japanese, 引き取る (ひきとる (hikitoru)) is typically associated with "to take custody of, to pick up, to take back, to withdraw (money)" (Syllabus Level: N2) and represents To take something or someone away, often implying responsibility or ownership. Can be for a child, a pet, a purchased item, or withdrawing money from an account. 例: 荷物を引き取る.
On the other hand, 受け持つ (うけもつ (ukemotsu)) maps to "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。. A literal translation of "take" can often sound unnatural to native Japanese speakers if mixed up!
Bilingual Context for "引き取る"
彼女は預けていた荷物を空港で引き取った。
She picked up her deposited luggage at the airport.
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.
Nuance Mastery Quiz
Which Japanese word perfectly fits this blank space?
Fill in the blank: "彼女は預けていた荷物を空港で引き取った。" (Meaning: "She picked up her deposited luggage at the airport.")
🎉 Correct Answer!
Remember: "引き取る" fits here because it means "to take custody of, to pick up, to take back, to withdraw (money)" in the context of: "She picked up her deposited luggage at the airport.". "受け持つ" represents "to take charge of, to be in charge of, to be responsible for".