Synonym Nuance VS
How to say "Take" in Japanese
Both words can translate to "take", but which should you choose?
Japanese Option A
連れていく
つれていく (tsureteiku)
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 連れていく and 掛かる.
In Japanese, 連れていく (つれていく (tsureteiku)) is typically associated with "to take (someone), to bring (someone)" (Syllabus Level: N4) and represents Used when taking or bringing a person or animal to a place. 「〜に人を連れていく」.
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 "連れていく"
友達をパーティーに連れていきました。
I took my friend to the party.
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: "友達をパーティーに連れていきました。" (Meaning: "I took my friend to the party.")
🎉 Correct Answer!
Remember: "連れていく" fits here because it means "to take (someone), to bring (someone)" in the context of: "I took my friend to the party.". "掛かる" represents "to take (time, money), to be hung, to be covered, to start (an engine)".