Synonym Nuance VS
How to say "Take" in Japanese
Both words can translate to "take", but which should you choose?
Japanese Option A
撮る
とる (toru)
N4 / CEFR Syllabus
VS
Japanese Option B
取り戻す
とりもどす (torimodosu)
N2 / CEFR Syllabus
Nuance Contrast & Translation Difference
When translating "take" into Japanese, you must choose carefully between 撮る and 取り戻す.
In Japanese, 撮る (とる (toru)) is typically associated with "to take (a photo/video)" (Syllabus Level: N4) and represents Used specifically for capturing images or video.
On the other hand, 取り戻す (とりもどす (torimodosu)) maps to "to take back, to regain, to recover" (Syllabus Level: N2) and represents 失ったものや奪われたものを再び自分のものにする、あるいは元の良い状態に戻す際に使います。/ Used when taking back something lost or stolen, or restoring something to its original good state.. A literal translation of "take" can often sound unnatural to native Japanese speakers if mixed up!
Bilingual Context for "撮る"
公園で友達と写真を撮りました。
I took pictures with my friends in the park.
Bilingual Context for "取り戻す"
盗まれた財布を取り戻した。
I got my stolen wallet back.
Nuance Mastery Quiz
Which Japanese word perfectly fits this blank space?
Fill in the blank: "公園で友達と写真を撮りました。" (Meaning: "I took pictures with my friends in the park.")
🎉 Correct Answer!
Remember: "撮る" fits here because it means "to take (a photo/video)" in the context of: "I took pictures with my friends in the park.". "取り戻す" represents "to take back, to regain, to recover".