Synonym Nuance VS
How to say "Take" in Japanese
Both words can translate to "take", but which should you choose?
Japanese Option A
連れて帰る
つれてかえる (tsurete kaeru)
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 連れて帰る and 踏み切る.
In Japanese, 連れて帰る (つれてかえる (tsurete kaeru)) is typically associated with "to take/bring (someone/an animal) back home" (Syllabus Level: N4) and represents A compound verb meaning to take someone or an animal back to one's home or a specified 'home' location. It's a combination of 連れる.
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 "連れて帰る"
迷子の犬を連れて帰りました。
I took the lost dog back home.
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: "迷子の犬を連れて帰りました。" (Meaning: "I took the lost dog back home.")
🎉 Correct Answer!
Remember: "連れて帰る" fits here because it means "to take/bring (someone/an animal) back home" in the context of: "I took the lost dog back home.". "踏み切る" represents "to take the plunge, to make a decision, to launch into something".