Translation guide
The English phrase "be taken in" has several distinct meanings. This guide covers the most common uses for learners: being deceived, being admitted or received, and being made smaller. Each meaning requires different Japanese expressions.
To be fooled, cheated, or swindled by someone or something.
The most common and direct way to say 'be deceived' or 'be taken in'. Used for scams, lies, and tricks.
I was completely taken in by his story.
I was taken in by a scam and lost a lot of money.
Literally 'get caught', used for falling for a trick or trap. More casual than 騙される.
I completely fell for his joke.
An idiomatic expression meaning 'to be had' or 'to be taken for a ride'. Conveys being outwitted.
I was taken in by him.
To be allowed to enter or become a member of an institution, home, or organization.
Means 'to be accepted' or 'taken in'. Used for people being welcomed into a group, community, or institution.
He was taken in by the country as a refugee.
I was quickly taken in at my new workplace.
Specifically for being admitted to a hospital. Note: this is an active verb form, not passive, but it expresses the state of being taken into hospital care.
He was taken into the hospital with pneumonia.
Used when someone is taken into a family or home, often for care or upbringing.
To alter a garment so that it fits more tightly.
Do not translate 'be taken in' word-for-word as 取られる (torareru) or 入れられる (irerareru). These do not convey the idiomatic meanings and will cause confusion.
The orphan was taken in by relatives.