Synonym Nuance VS
How to say "Take" in Japanese
Both words can translate to "take", but which should you choose?
Japanese Option A
持っていく
もっていく (motte iku)
N4 / CEFR Syllabus
VS
Japanese Option B
取り戻す
とりもどす (torimodosu)
N2 / CEFR Syllabus
Nuance Contrast & Translation Difference
When translating "take" into Japanese, you must choose carefully between 持っていく and 取り戻す.
In Japanese, 持っていく (もっていく (motte iku)) is typically associated with "to take (something) along, to bring (something)" (Syllabus Level: N4) and represents Implies carrying an object from one place to another, usually by the speaker or towards a destination. 自分や相手が何かをある場所に移動させる行為。.
On the other hand, 取り戻す (とりもどす (torimodosu)) maps to "to take back, to regain, to recover" (Syllabus Level: N2) and represents 失ったものや奪われたものを再び自分のものにする、あるいは元の良い状態に戻す際に使います。/ Used when taking back something lost or stolen, or restoring something to its original good state.. A literal translation of "take" can often sound unnatural to native Japanese speakers if mixed up!
Bilingual Context for "持っていく"
パーティーにケーキを持っていきます。
I will take a cake to the party.
Bilingual Context for "取り戻す"
盗まれた財布を取り戻した。
I got my stolen wallet back.
Nuance Mastery Quiz
Which Japanese word perfectly fits this blank space?
Fill in the blank: "パーティーにケーキを持っていきます。" (Meaning: "I will take a cake to the party.")
🎉 Correct Answer!
Remember: "持っていく" fits here because it means "to take (something) along, to bring (something)" in the context of: "I will take a cake to the party.". "取り戻す" represents "to take back, to regain, to recover".