Synonym Nuance VS
How to say "Take" in Japanese
Both words can translate to "take", but which should you choose?
Japanese Option A
散歩する
さんぽする (sanpo suru)
N4 / CEFR Syllabus
VS
Japanese Option B
掛かる
かかる (kakaru)
N3 / CEFR Syllabus
Nuance Contrast & Translation Difference
When translating "take" into Japanese, you must choose carefully between 散歩する and 掛かる.
In Japanese, 散歩する (さんぽする (sanpo suru)) is typically associated with "to take a walk" (Syllabus Level: N4) and represents Refers to a leisurely walk, often for relaxation or exercise. Often used with を.
On the other hand, 掛かる (かかる (kakaru)) maps to "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.. A literal translation of "take" can often sound unnatural to native Japanese speakers if mixed up!
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.
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.
Nuance Mastery Quiz
Which Japanese word perfectly fits this blank space?
Fill in the blank: "公園を犬と ＿＿＿ のが好きです。" (Meaning: "I like walking in the park with my dog.")
🎉 Correct Answer!
Remember: "散歩する" fits here because it means "to take a walk" in the context of: "I like walking in the park with my dog.". "掛かる" represents "to take (time, money), to be hung, to be covered, to start (an engine)".