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
講じる
こうじる (kōjiru)
N2 / CEFR Syllabus
Nuance Contrast & Translation Difference
When translating "take" into Japanese, you must choose carefully between 持っていく and 講じる.
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, 講じる (こうじる (kōjiru)) maps to "to take measures, to adopt, to implement" (Syllabus Level: N2) and represents Often used in formal contexts, especially when discussing measures, policies, or actions to address a situation.. 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 "講じる"
問題解決のために具体的な対策を講じる。
We will take concrete measures to solve the problem.
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.". "講じる" represents "to take measures, to adopt, to implement".