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
撮る
とる (toru)
N4 / CEFR Syllabus
Nuance Contrast & Translation Difference
When translating "take" into Japanese, you must choose carefully between 連れて行く and 撮る.
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, 撮る (とる (toru)) maps to "to take (a photo/video)" (Syllabus Level: N4) and represents Used specifically for capturing images or video. 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 "撮る"
公園で友達と写真を撮りました。
I took pictures with my friends in the park.
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.". "撮る" represents "to take (a photo/video)".