Translation guide
The English phrase "carry away" has several distinct meanings. This guide helps learners choose the right Japanese expression depending on whether they mean physically transporting something, being emotionally overwhelmed, or removing something.
To move something or someone from one place to another, often by carrying.
Literally 'carry and leave'. Used for physically carrying something away from a place.
They carried away the luggage.
Emphasizes taking something away, often implying removal or theft.
The culprit carried away the cash.
More general 'carry and go', focusing on the action of carrying to another location.
He carried the box away.
Specifically for carrying away a person or animal, often against their will.
The kidnapper carried away the child.
To become so excited, enthusiastic, or absorbed that one loses self-control.
Literally 'forget oneself'. Used when someone is so absorbed in an emotion or activity that they lose their usual restraint.
He got carried away with excitement.
To be completely absorbed or engrossed in something, often in a positive sense.
She got carried away with dancing.
To get carried away in a boastful or overconfident manner, often with a negative nuance of going too far.
Often implies overstepping or becoming cocky, not just enthusiasm.
To be deeply engrossed or enthusiastic about a hobby or interest.
He is carried away by video games.
To take something away, often in a formal, legal, or figurative sense.
To snatch away or carry off, often used for abstract things like rights or hopes.
The war carried away his dreams.
To remove or take away, often used for obstacles or unwanted things.
Can also be used figuratively for taking away intangible things, though more commonly physical.
Do not use 運び去る or similar physical verbs for the emotional meaning of 'carry away'. It will sound unnatural. Use phrases like 我を忘れる or 夢中になる instead.
For physical removal, use 運び去る or 持ち去る. For emotional absorption, use 我を忘れる or 夢中になる. The context determines which is appropriate.
He got carried away and said too much.
彼の言葉が不安を取り去った。
His words carried away my anxiety.
泥棒は宝石を持ち去った。
The thief carried away the jewels.