Synonym Nuance VS
How to say "Write" in Japanese
Both words can translate to "write", but which should you choose?
Japanese Option A
書く
かく (kaku)
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 書く and 書き取る.
In Japanese, 書く (かく (kaku)) is typically associated with "to write, to draw" (Syllabus Level: N5) and represents Used for creating text or images. Polite form is 書きます.
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 "書く"
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: "手紙を書きます。" (Meaning: "I write a letter.")
🎉 Correct Answer!
Remember: "書く" fits here because it means "to write, to draw" in the context of: "I write a letter.". "書き取る" represents "to write down, to take dictation".