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
踏み切る
ふみきる (fumikiru)
N2 / CEFR Syllabus
Nuance Contrast & Translation Difference
When translating "take" into Japanese, you must choose carefully between 連れていく and 踏み切る.
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, 踏み切る (ふみきる (fumikiru)) maps to "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。. 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 "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.
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.". "踏み切る" represents "to take the plunge, to make a decision, to launch into something".