Synonym Nuance VS
How to say "Take" in Japanese
Both words can translate to "take", but which should you choose?
Japanese Option A
脱ぐ
ぬぐ (nugu)
N5 / CEFR Syllabus
VS
Japanese Option B
取る
とる (toru)
N4 / CEFR Syllabus
Nuance Contrast & Translation Difference
When translating "take" into Japanese, you must choose carefully between 脱ぐ and 取る.
In Japanese, 脱ぐ (ぬぐ (nugu)) is typically associated with "to take off (clothes, shoes)" (Syllabus Level: N5) and represents Used when removing clothes, shoes, or accessories. The polite form is 脱ぎます.
On the other hand, 取る (とる (toru)) maps to "to take; to pick up; to get" (Syllabus Level: N4) and represents 非常に多くの意味を持つ動詞です。物をつかむ、手に入れる、時間や休みを取るなど、文脈によって使い分けられます。. A literal translation of "take" can often sound unnatural to native Japanese speakers if mixed up!
Bilingual Context for "脱ぐ"
部屋に入る前に、靴を脱いでください。
Please take off your shoes before entering the room.
Bilingual Context for "取る"
本棚から本を取ってください。
Please take a book from the bookshelf.
Nuance Mastery Quiz
Which Japanese word perfectly fits this blank space?
Fill in the blank: "部屋に入る前に、靴を脱いでください。" (Meaning: "Please take off your shoes before entering the room.")
🎉 Correct Answer!
Remember: "脱ぐ" fits here because it means "to take off (clothes, shoes)" in the context of: "Please take off your shoes before entering the room.". "取る" represents "to take; to pick up; to get".