Synonym Nuance VS
How to say "Take" in Japanese
Both words can translate to "take", but which should you choose?
Japanese Option A
持って行く
もっていく (motte iku)
N4 / CEFR Syllabus
VS
Japanese Option B
散歩する
さんぽする (sanpo suru)
N4 / CEFR Syllabus
Nuance Contrast & Translation Difference
When translating "take" into Japanese, you must choose carefully between 持って行く and 散歩する.
In Japanese, 持って行く (もっていく (motte iku)) is typically associated with "to take (an object)" (Syllabus Level: N4) and represents Specifically for taking objects somewhere. For people/animals, use 連れて行く. 物を自分の手で移動させる。.
On the other hand, 散歩する (さんぽする (sanpo suru)) maps to "to take a walk" (Syllabus Level: N4) and represents Refers to a leisurely walk, often for relaxation or exercise. Often used with を. A literal translation of "take" can often sound unnatural to native Japanese speakers if mixed up!
Bilingual Context for "持って行く"
お弁当を持って会社に行きます。
I take my bento box to the office.
Bilingual Context for "散歩する"
公園を犬と散歩するのが好きです。
I like walking in the park with my dog.
Nuance Mastery Quiz
Which Japanese word perfectly fits this blank space?
Fill in the blank: "お弁当を持って会社に行きます。" (Meaning: "I take my bento box to the office.")
🎉 Correct Answer!
Remember: "持って行く" fits here because it means "to take (an object)" in the context of: "I take my bento box to the office.". "散歩する" represents "to take a walk".