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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

受け持つ

うけもつ (ukemotsu)
N2 / CEFR Syllabus

Nuance Contrast & Translation Difference

When translating "take" into Japanese, you must choose carefully between 掛かる and 受け持つ. 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, 受け持つ (うけもつ (ukemotsu)) maps to "to take charge of, to be in charge of, to be responsible for" (Syllabus Level: N2) and represents Used when someone is assigned a role, duty, or responsibility, often in educational or professional settings. 任務や職務、授業などを担当する、責任を持つという意味で使われます。. 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 "受け持つ"
彼は来月から新しいプロジェクトを受け持つことになった。
He will be in charge of the new project from next month.

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.". "受け持つ" represents "to take charge of, to be in charge of, to be responsible for".

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