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
取り返す
とりかえす (torikaesu)
N2 / CEFR Syllabus
Nuance Contrast & Translation Difference
When translating "take" into Japanese, you must choose carefully between 持っていく and 取り返す.
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, 取り返す (とりかえす (torikaesu)) maps to "to take back, to recover, to regain, to retrieve" (Syllabus Level: N2) and represents Refers to getting back something that was lost, stolen, or taken away. It can also be used metaphorically for regaining a lost reputation, time, or opportunity.. 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 "取り返す"
盗まれた自転車を警察が取り返してくれた。
The police recovered my stolen bicycle for me.
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.". "取り返す" represents "to take back, to recover, to regain, to retrieve".