Translation guide
The English phrase "draw out" has several distinct meanings. This guide covers the most common uses for learners: extracting something, prolonging something, and eliciting a response or information.
To physically pull something out from inside something else, or to extract a substance, object, or abstract thing.
To make something last longer than usual or necessary.
To cause something to drag on or be prolonged, often with a negative nuance.
会議を長引かせないでください。
Please don't draw out the meeting.
To get someone to talk, reveal something, or respond, often through careful questioning or encouragement.
引き出す is the most versatile and can be used for physical extraction, abstract extraction (talent, information), and eliciting responses. 抜く is specifically for pulling out something that is stuck or inserted (sword, tooth, plug). 取り出す is for taking something out of a container or storage (wallet, bag, drawer).
Do not translate 'draw out' literally as 描き出す (to draw/sketch out) unless you mean creating a picture. For the meanings above, use the verbs listed.
General verb for pulling something out, both physically and abstractly (e.g., talent, information).
引き出しから書類を引き出した。
I drew out the documents from the drawer.
彼の才能を引き出すのは良い教師だ。
A good teacher draws out his talents.
To pull out, extract, or remove something that is stuck or inserted. Often used for physical objects.
刀を鞘から抜いた。
He drew his sword from the scabbard.
歯を抜いてもらった。
I had a tooth drawn out.
To take out, fetch, or extract something from a container or storage.
財布からお金を取り出した。
I drew out money from my wallet.
Technical term for extracting a substance, essence, or data. Used in scientific or formal contexts.
植物からエッセンスを抽出する。
Draw out the essence from the plant.
He tends to draw out his stories.
To stretch out, prolong, or delay something intentionally. Can be used for time, sounds, or physical objects.
彼は返事を引き延ばした。
He drew out his reply.
その歌手は最後の音を引き延ばした。
The singer drew out the final note.
To drag on in a sluggish, tedious manner. Colloquial and often negative.
会議をだらだらと続けるのはやめよう。
Let's stop drawing out the meeting.
Same verb as for physical extraction, but used abstractly for drawing out information, feelings, or reactions.
彼から真実を引き出すのは難しかった。
It was difficult to draw out the truth from him.
彼女は子供たちの意見を上手に引き出す。
She skillfully draws out the children's opinions.
To elicit information by asking; to get someone to tell you something.
彼女は彼の秘密を聞き出そうとした。
She tried to draw out his secret.
To make someone confess or spill the beans; literally 'to make someone's mouth split'. Used in interrogations or when forcing a confession.
警察は容疑者の口を割らせようとした。
The police tried to draw out a confession from the suspect.