Synonym Nuance VS
How to say "Take" in Japanese
Both words can translate to "take", but which should you choose?
Japanese Option A
連れる
つれる (tsureru)
N4 / CEFR Syllabus
VS
Japanese Option B
取り返す
とりかえす (torikaesu)
N2 / CEFR Syllabus
Nuance Contrast & Translation Difference
When translating "take" into Japanese, you must choose carefully between 連れる and 取り返す.
In Japanese, 連れる (つれる (tsureru)) is typically associated with "to take (someone), to bring (someone)" (Syllabus Level: N4) and represents Used when taking or bringing a person or an animal along with oneself. It implies accompanying someone..
On the other hand, 取り返す (とりかえす (torikaesu)) maps to "to take back, to recover, to regain, to retrieve" (Syllabus Level: N2) and represents Refers to getting back something that was lost, stolen, or taken away. It can also be used metaphorically for regaining a lost reputation, time, or opportunity.. A literal translation of "take" can often sound unnatural to native Japanese speakers if mixed up!
Bilingual Context for "連れる"
彼女は子供を公園に連れて行きました。
She took her child to the park.
Bilingual Context for "取り返す"
盗まれた自転車を警察が取り返してくれた。
The police recovered my stolen bicycle for me.
Nuance Mastery Quiz
Which Japanese word perfectly fits this blank space?
Fill in the blank: "彼女は子供を公園に連れて行きました。" (Meaning: "She took her child to the park.")
🎉 Correct Answer!
Remember: "連れる" fits here because it means "to take (someone), to bring (someone)" in the context of: "She took her child to the park.". "取り返す" represents "to take back, to recover, to regain, to retrieve".