Synonym Nuance VS
How to say "Take" in Japanese
Both words can translate to "take", but which should you choose?
Japanese Option A
連れて行く
つれていく (tsurete iku)
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 連れて行く and 掛かる.
In Japanese, 連れて行く (つれていく (tsurete iku)) is typically associated with "to take (a person/animal)" (Syllabus Level: N4) and represents Specifically for taking people or animals somewhere. For objects, use 持って行く. 人や動物を伴って移動する。.
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 "連れて行く"
子供を公園に連れて行きました。
I took my child to the park.
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: "子供を公園に連れて行きました。" (Meaning: "I took my child to the park.")
🎉 Correct Answer!
Remember: "連れて行く" fits here because it means "to take (a person/animal)" in the context of: "I took my child to the park.". "掛かる" represents "to take (time, money), to be hung, to be covered, to start (an engine)".