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
骨折る
ほねおる (honeoru)
N2 / CEFR Syllabus
Nuance Contrast & Translation Difference
When translating "take" into Japanese, you must choose carefully between 引き取る and 骨折る.
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, 骨折る (ほねおる (honeoru)) maps to "to take great pains, to make an effort, to go to a lot of trouble (literally: to break a bone)" (Syllabus Level: N2) and represents Expresses significant effort, often implying hardship or difficulty. Used in a figurative sense, emphasizing the extensive effort or trouble taken.. 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 "骨折る"
彼はプロジェクトを成功させるために、大変骨を折った。
He went to great pains to make the project a success.
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.". "骨折る" represents "to take great pains, to make an effort, to go to a lot of trouble (literally: to break a bone)".