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
引き受ける
ひきうける (hikiukeru)
B2 / CEFR Syllabus
Nuance Contrast & Translation Difference
When translating "take" into Japanese, you must choose carefully between 連れる and 引き受ける.
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, 引き受ける (ひきうける (hikiukeru)) maps to "to take on, to undertake" (Syllabus Level: B2) and represents Essential structural term in CEFR B2 vocabulary syllabus.. 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 "引き受ける"
毎日、日本語を練習するために引き受ける。
Every day, I take on, to undertake to practice Japanese.
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.". "引き受ける" represents "to take on, to undertake".