Translation guide
The English verb 'fetch' means to go and get something or someone and bring them back. In Japanese, there is no single direct equivalent; the best expression depends on what is being fetched and the context.
Fetch me the newspaper.
I'll fetch the kids.
The speaker goes to get an object and returns with it.
Literally 'take and come'. The most common way to say 'fetch' for objects. Use when you go to get something and bring it back.
Go fetch the newspaper.
Literally 'hold and come'. Implies bringing something that is already in hand or nearby. Often used when the fetching action is less emphasized.
Literally 'go to take'. Focuses on the going action. Often used when the return is implied.
I'll go fetch the luggage.
The speaker goes to get a person and brings them back.
Literally 'go to meet/welcome'. The standard way to say 'fetch' for people, like picking someone up from a station.
Commanding a dog to retrieve a thrown object.
Imperative form of 取ってくる. The standard command for dogs to fetch.
Fetch the ball!
To be sold for a certain price.
Intransitive verb meaning 'to sell' or 'to be sold'. Used to say something fetches a price.
There is no single Japanese verb that covers all uses of 'fetch'. Using フェッチ is not natural. Always use a compound verb or phrase appropriate to the context.
取ってくる emphasizes the action of going to get something and bringing it back. 持ってくる simply means to bring something, without necessarily emphasizing the 'going to get' part. For 'fetch', 取ってくる is usually more accurate.
I'll just go fetch a pen.
コーヒーを持ってきてください。
Please fetch me some coffee.
I'll go fetch her from the station.
I fetch the kids from school.
Literally 'bring along'. Used when you bring a person (or animal) back with you. More casual than 迎えに行く.
Can I fetch a friend?
Imperative of 持ってくる. Also used for dogs, but slightly less common than 取ってこい.
Fetch that!
This painting will fetch a high price.
Literally 'a price attaches'. Means something can be sold for a certain amount.
That old coin fetched a high price.