Translation guide
The English word "intake" covers several distinct concepts: the act of taking something in (air, food, liquid), the amount taken in, the place where something is taken in, and the process of admitting people into an organization. This guide helps you choose the right Japanese expression for each meaning.
Referring to the quantity of food, liquid, or nutrients a person consumes, often in health or dietary contexts.
Standard term for 'intake amount' of nutrients, calories, etc. Used in medical, nutritional, and everyday contexts.
Please reduce your salt intake.
What is your daily calorie intake?
The act or amount of intake. Often used in compounds like 塩分摂取 (salt intake). Can be used without 量 when the amount is implied.
Make sure to take in fluids frequently.
Pattern: [nutrient] + の摂取. Used to talk about intake of specific substances.
Your calcium intake is insufficient.
Describing the physical act of breathing in or inhaling.
Technical/medical term for inhalation or intake of air. Used in contexts like engines or respiration.
Measure the engine's intake air temperature.
Everyday phrase for 'to take a breath' or 'inhale'. Not a direct translation of 'intake' but used for the action.
Please take a deep breath.
Inhalation, often for medical purposes (e.g., inhaling medicine) or technical contexts.
Referring to the number of people accepted into a school, program, or institution.
General term for acceptance or intake of people. Used for schools, companies, refugees, etc.
This year's intake of new students is 200.
Specifically the number of people being recruited or admitted. Common for job or school applications.
Fixed capacity or quota. Often used for schools, classes, or events. Implies a limit on intake.
Referring to a physical opening or pipe through which air, water, or fuel enters a machine or system.
General term for an intake port or inlet. Used for air, water, etc.
Clean the air conditioner's air intake.
Suction inlet or intake. Often used for pumps, engines, or vacuum systems.
The pump intake is clogged.
Loanword from English, used in technical or automotive contexts (e.g., car intake manifold).
Describing the mental absorption of knowledge, information, or experiences.
The English word "intake" cannot be directly translated into a single Japanese word that covers all meanings. Always choose the term based on what is being taken in (food, air, people, etc.). Using 摂取 for people or 受け入れ for food would be incorrect.
摂取 (sesshu) is about the act of taking in (eating, drinking), while 吸収 (kyūshū) is about absorption into the body or mind. For nutritional intake, 摂取 is standard; for learning, 吸収 is more natural.
薬を吸入する。
Inhale the medicine.
Expand the intake of refugees.
This year's intake is smaller than last year's.
このコースの定員は30名です。
The intake for this course is 30 people.
Replace the intake manifold.
We are constantly taking in the latest information.