Synonym Nuance VS
How to say "Undertake" in Japanese
Both words can translate to "undertake", but which should you choose?
Japanese Option A
請け負う
うけおう (ukeou)
N2 / 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 "undertake" into Japanese, you must choose carefully between 請け負う and 引き受ける.
In Japanese, 請け負う (うけおう (ukeou)) is typically associated with "to undertake; to contract for; to take on (a job)" (Syllabus Level: N2) and represents To accept a task, project, or work with the responsibility to complete it, often implying a formal agreement or contract. Used for services, construction, etc..
On the other hand, 引き受ける (ひきうける (hikiukeru)) maps to "to undertake, accept" (Syllabus Level: B2) and represents Essential structural term in CEFR B2 vocabulary syllabus.. A literal translation of "undertake" can often sound unnatural to native Japanese speakers if mixed up!
Bilingual Context for "請け負う"
その会社は市からの道路建設プロジェクトを請け負った。
That company undertook the road construction project from the city.
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 undertake, accept to practice Japanese.
Nuance Mastery Quiz
Which Japanese word perfectly fits this blank space?
Fill in the blank: "その会社は市からの道路建設プロジェクトを請け負った。" (Meaning: "That company undertook the road construction project from the city.")
🎉 Correct Answer!
Remember: "請け負う" fits here because it means "to undertake; to contract for; to take on (a job)" in the context of: "That company undertook the road construction project from the city.". "引き受ける" represents "to undertake, accept".