Synonym Nuance VS
How to say "Take" in Japanese
Both words can translate to "take", but which should you choose?
Japanese Option A
講じる
こうじる (kōjiru)
N2 / CEFR Syllabus
VS
Japanese Option B
引き受ける
ひきうける (hikiukeru)
B2 / CEFR Syllabus
Nuance Contrast & Translation Difference
When translating "take" into Japanese, you must choose carefully between 講じる and 引き受ける.
In Japanese, 講じる (こうじる (kōjiru)) is typically associated with "to take measures, to adopt, to implement" (Syllabus Level: N2) and represents Often used in formal contexts, especially when discussing measures, policies, or actions to address a situation..
On the other hand, 引き受ける (ひきうける (hikiukeru)) maps to "to take on, to undertake" (Syllabus Level: B2) and represents Essential structural term in CEFR B2 vocabulary syllabus.. A literal translation of "take" can often sound unnatural to native Japanese speakers if mixed up!
Bilingual Context for "講じる"
問題解決のために具体的な対策を講じる。
We will take concrete measures to solve the problem.
Bilingual Context for "引き受ける"
毎日、日本語を練習するために引き受ける。
Every day, I take on, to undertake to practice Japanese.
Nuance Mastery Quiz
Which Japanese word perfectly fits this blank space?
Fill in the blank: "問題解決のために具体的な対策を ＿＿＿ 。" (Meaning: "We will take concrete measures to solve the problem.")
🎉 Correct Answer!
Remember: "講じる" fits here because it means "to take measures, to adopt, to implement" in the context of: "We will take concrete measures to solve the problem.". "引き受ける" represents "to take on, to undertake".