Synonym Nuance VS
How to say "Take" in Japanese
Both words can translate to "take", but which should you choose?
Japanese Option A
掛かる
かかる (kakaru)
N3 / CEFR Syllabus
VS
Japanese Option B
代わる
かわる (kawaru)
N3 / CEFR Syllabus
Nuance Contrast & Translation Difference
When translating "take" into Japanese, you must choose carefully between 掛かる and 代わる.
In Japanese, 掛かる (かかる (kakaru)) is typically associated with "to take (time, money), to be hung, to be covered, to start (an engine)" (Syllabus Level: N3) and represents 時間や費用が必要であること、何かに接触してぶら下がっていること、機械が作動を開始することなど、多くの意味がある。Has many meanings, such as requiring time or money, being hung/suspended, or a machine starting operation..
On the other hand, 代わる (かわる (kawaru)) maps to "to take the place of, to substitute for, to be replaced" (Syllabus Level: N3) and represents Refers to one thing replacing another, or someone substituting for someone else. Can be used for changes in personnel, objects, or even situations.. A literal translation of "take" can often sound unnatural to native Japanese speakers if mixed up!
Bilingual Context for "掛かる"
学校まで歩いて30分掛かる。
It takes 30 minutes to walk to school.
Bilingual Context for "代わる"
今日は先生の代わりに私が授業をします。
Today, I will teach the class instead of the teacher.
Nuance Mastery Quiz
Which Japanese word perfectly fits this blank space?
Fill in the blank: "学校まで歩いて30分 ＿＿＿ 。" (Meaning: "It takes 30 minutes to walk to school.")
🎉 Correct Answer!
Remember: "掛かる" fits here because it means "to take (time, money), to be hung, to be covered, to start (an engine)" in the context of: "It takes 30 minutes to walk to school.". "代わる" represents "to take the place of, to substitute for, to be replaced".