Translation guide
The English verb "obtain" means to get or acquire something, often through effort or formal processes. In Japanese, the most natural translation depends on what is being obtained and the context. Common verbs include 手に入れる (te ni ireru) for acquiring desired items, 得る (eru) for gaining abstract things like knowledge or permission, and 取得する (shutoku suru) for formal acquisition of documents or qualifications. For everyday conversation, simpler verbs like もらう (morau) or 買う (kau) are often more natural than a direct translation.
To get something you want, often after effort or searching.
Literally 'put into one's hand'. The most common and natural way to say 'obtain' for physical objects, especially when you've made an effort to get them.
I finally obtained that limited edition figurine.
Where can I obtain this book?
A slightly more formal version of 手に入れる, often used in written contexts or for items that are difficult to get.
It's difficult to obtain rare parts.
Simply 'to buy'. In many everyday situations, 'obtain' is just a formal way of saying 'buy', so 買う is more natural.
Where can I obtain that game? (Where can I buy it?)
To receive. Use when obtaining something from someone else.
I obtained a ticket from a friend.
To acquire something intangible, often through effort or process.
The most direct translation for obtaining abstract things. Can be used for knowledge, permission, trust, etc. Note: the potential form 得られる is often used for 'can obtain'.
I obtained a lot of knowledge from experience.
You need to obtain permission.
Formal term for obtaining qualifications, licenses, data, etc. Often used in official or technical contexts.
I obtained a driver's license.
Literally 'attach to one's body'. Used for obtaining skills, habits, or knowledge through learning/practice.
To get something by going through a proper channel, like applying or requesting.
The standard verb for formal acquisition of documents, certificates, visas, etc.
You need documents to obtain a visa.
To receive (permission, approval, etc.). Often used in passive or causative forms.
To be issued (a document, license). Passive form, often used when the subject is the recipient of an official document.
I obtained a passport (it was issued to me).
To get information, data, or evidence.
General verb for obtaining information. Often used as 情報を得る.
I obtained information about the incident.
Emphasizes the effort or difficulty in getting the information.
We obtained internal documents.
To collect or gather data/information systematically.
We obtained data through a survey.
In everyday conversation, English speakers often use 'obtain' where Japanese speakers would use simpler verbs like 買う (buy), もらう (receive), or 見つける (find). Using 入手する or 得る in casual contexts can sound overly formal or stiff.
手に入れる is more colloquial and emphasizes the act of finally getting something you wanted. 入手する is more formal and often used in writing or for difficult-to-acquire items. Both can be used for physical and abstract things, but 手に入れる is less common for abstract concepts like permission.
To say 'can obtain', use the potential form: 手に入れられる or 手に入る (more casual), 入手できる, 得られる. 得られる is the potential form of 得る and is very common.
He obtained a degree from Tokyo University.
Formal context for academic qualification.
データを取得する方法
How to obtain data
日本語を身につけるには時間がかかる。
It takes time to obtain Japanese language skills.
許可を受けてから作業を始めてください。
Please start work after obtaining permission.