Translation guide
The English phrase "be picked" can refer to being chosen or selected, or to the physical action of having something plucked or harvested. This guide covers natural Japanese expressions for both meanings.
Expressing that someone or something is selected from a group, often for a role, team, or opportunity.
I hope I get picked for the team. · She was picked to lead the project. · The winner was picked at random.
The most common and neutral way to say "be picked" in the sense of being chosen. It is the passive form of 選ぶ (to choose).
彼が代表に選ばれた。
He was picked as the representative.
この作品が最優秀賞に選ばれました。
This work was picked for the grand prize.
More formal, often used for official selections like committee members or representatives.
彼女は委員会のメンバーに選出された。
She was picked as a member of the committee.
A loanword from English, used in casual contexts, especially in media or when items are selected for a list or feature.
この記事がニュースサイトでピックアップされた。
This article was picked up by a news site.
Implies being specially selected or promoted, often for a role or position, with a nuance of being singled out for one's talent.
若手俳優が主役に抜擢された。
A young actor was picked for the lead role.
Describing the action of picking fruits, flowers, or similar items from plants.
The strawberries are ready to be picked. · These flowers were picked this morning.
The passive form of 摘む (to pick/pluck), used for flowers, buds, or small items. Note: this verb can also mean 'to pinch', but context clarifies.
庭の花が誰かに摘まれた。
The flowers in the garden were picked by someone.
Passive of もぎ取る, meaning to pluck or twist off, often used for fruits or larger items. Implies a bit more force.
リンゴが全部もぎ取られた。
All the apples were picked.
Means 'to be harvested', used for crops. More formal and agricultural.
トマトは夏に収穫される。
Tomatoes are picked in the summer.
When 'be picked' means 'be picked up' (e.g., from a location), do not use 選ばれる or 摘まれる. Use 迎えに来られる (to be picked up by someone) or 拾われる (to be picked up, as an object).
駅まで迎えに来てもらった。
I was picked up at the station.
The passive form in Japanese often omits the agent. If you need to specify who did the picking, use に (by). For example: 先生に選ばれた (was picked by the teacher).