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
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 撮る and 踏み切る.
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, 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 "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 "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: "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.". "踏み切る" represents "to take the plunge, to make a decision, to launch into something".