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
踏み切る
ふみきる (fumikiru)
N2 / CEFR Syllabus
Nuance Contrast & Translation Difference
When translating "take" into Japanese, you must choose carefully between 持っていく and 踏み切る.
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, 踏み切る (ふみきる (fumikiru)) maps to "to take the plunge, to make a decision, to launch into something" (Syllabus Level: N2) and represents Used when someone finally decides to do something big or risky after hesitation. 迷いや躊躇の末に、大きな決断をする際に使われます。. 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 "踏み切る"
彼は長年の夢だった独立に踏み切った。
He finally took the plunge and became independent, which had been his long-cherished dream.
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.". "踏み切る" represents "to take the plunge, to make a decision, to launch into something".