Synonym Nuance VS
How to say "Write" in Japanese
Both words can translate to "write", but which should you choose?
Japanese Option A
書きます
かきます (kakimasu)
N5 / CEFR Syllabus
VS
Japanese Option B
書き取る
かきとる (kakitoru)
N3 / CEFR Syllabus
Nuance Contrast & Translation Difference
When translating "write" into Japanese, you must choose carefully between 書きます and 書き取る.
In Japanese, 書きます (かきます (kakimasu)) is typically associated with "to write, to draw (polite form)" (Syllabus Level: N5) and represents Polite form of 書く.
On the other hand, 書き取る (かきとる (kakitoru)) maps to "to write down, to take dictation" (Syllabus Level: N3) and represents To write down what someone says or what is heard, often used in dictation exercises or note-taking.. A literal translation of "write" can often sound unnatural to native Japanese speakers if mixed up!
Bilingual Context for "書きます"
手紙を書きます。
I write a letter.
Bilingual Context for "書き取る"
先生が言ったことを全部書き取った。
I wrote down everything the teacher said.
Nuance Mastery Quiz
Which Japanese word perfectly fits this blank space?
Fill in the blank: "手紙を ＿＿＿ 。" (Meaning: "I write a letter.")
🎉 Correct Answer!
Remember: "書きます" fits here because it means "to write, to draw (polite form)" in the context of: "I write a letter.". "書き取る" represents "to write down, to take dictation".