Synonym Nuance VS
How to say "Take" in Japanese
Both words can translate to "take", but which should you choose?
Japanese Option A
踏み切る
ふみきる (fumikiru)
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 踏み切る and 引き受ける.
In Japanese, 踏み切る (ふみきる (fumikiru)) is typically associated with "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。.
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 "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.
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: "彼は長年の夢だった独立に踏み切った。" (Meaning: "He finally took the plunge and became independent, which had been his long-cherished dream.")
🎉 Correct Answer!
Remember: "踏み切る" fits here because it means "to take the plunge, to make a decision, to launch into something" in the context of: "He finally took the plunge and became independent, which had been his long-cherished dream.". "引き受ける" represents "to take on, to undertake".