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
連れて帰る
つれてかえる (tsurete kaeru)
N4 / CEFR Syllabus
Nuance Contrast & Translation Difference
When translating "take" into Japanese, you must choose carefully between 連れる and 連れて帰る.
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, 連れて帰る (つれてかえる (tsurete kaeru)) maps to "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. 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 "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.
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.". "連れて帰る" represents "to take/bring (someone/an animal) back home".