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
取る
とる (toru)
N4 / CEFR Syllabus
Nuance Contrast & Translation Difference
When translating "take" into Japanese, you must choose carefully between 持っていく and 取る.
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, 取る (とる (toru)) maps to "to take; to pick up; to get" (Syllabus Level: N4) and represents 非常に多くの意味を持つ動詞です。物をつかむ、手に入れる、時間や休みを取るなど、文脈によって使い分けられます。. 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 "取る"
本棚から本を取ってください。
Please take a book from the bookshelf.
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.". "取る" represents "to take; to pick up; to get".