Synonym Nuance VS
How to say "Take" in Japanese
Both words can translate to "take", but which should you choose?
Japanese Option A
浴びる
あびる (abiru)
N4 / CEFR Syllabus
VS
Japanese Option B
引き取る
ひきとる (hikitoru)
N2 / CEFR Syllabus
Nuance Contrast & Translation Difference
When translating "take" into Japanese, you must choose carefully between 浴びる and 引き取る.
In Japanese, 浴びる (あびる (abiru)) is typically associated with "to take a shower/bath, to bask in" (Syllabus Level: N4) and represents Transitive verb. Used for taking a shower.
On the other hand, 引き取る (ひきとる (hikitoru)) maps to "to take custody of, to pick up, to take back, to withdraw (money)" (Syllabus Level: N2) and represents To take something or someone away, often implying responsibility or ownership. Can be for a child, a pet, a purchased item, or withdrawing money from an account. 例: 荷物を引き取る. A literal translation of "take" can often sound unnatural to native Japanese speakers if mixed up!
Bilingual Context for "浴びる"
毎日シャワーを浴びます。
I take a shower every day.
Bilingual Context for "引き取る"
彼女は預けていた荷物を空港で引き取った。
She picked up her deposited luggage at the airport.
Nuance Mastery Quiz
Which Japanese word perfectly fits this blank space?
Fill in the blank: "毎日シャワーを浴びます。" (Meaning: "I take a shower every day.")
🎉 Correct Answer!
Remember: "浴びる" fits here because it means "to take a shower/bath, to bask in" in the context of: "I take a shower every day.". "引き取る" represents "to take custody of, to pick up, to take back, to withdraw (money)".