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Synonym Nuance VS

How to say "Take" in Japanese

Both words can translate to "take", but which should you choose?

Japanese Option A

手間取る

てまどる (temadoru)
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 手間取る and 受け持つ. In Japanese, 手間取る (てまどる (temadoru)) is typically associated with "to take time, to be delayed, to be slow (due to difficulty or complications)" (Syllabus Level: N2) and represents Implies that a task or process is taking longer than anticipated because of unexpected difficulties or complexities.. 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 "手間取る"
複雑な申請手続きで、予想以上に手間取ってしまった。
The complicated application process took longer than expected.
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: "複雑な申請手続きで、予想以上に手間取ってしまった。" (Meaning: "The complicated application process took longer than expected.")
🎉 Correct Answer!

Remember: "手間取る" fits here because it means "to take time, to be delayed, to be slow (due to difficulty or complications)" in the context of: "The complicated application process took longer than expected.". "受け持つ" represents "to take charge of, to be in charge of, to be responsible for".