Translation guide
The act of getting or acquiring something, often through effort or formal process.
Expressing the act of getting or acquiring something in a general sense.
Common word for obtaining something, often physical items or information. Used as a noun or suru-verb.
It's difficult to obtain tickets.
I obtained the information.
Often used for obtaining qualifications, licenses, data, or rights. Slightly more formal than 入手.
I'm studying to obtain a qualification.
Please tell me how to obtain the data.
Colloquial phrase meaning 'to get one's hands on' or 'to obtain'. Emphasizes the effort or desire to acquire something.
I really want to get my hands on that book.
He finally obtained the car he'd been wanting.
Obtaining something through official channels, procedures, or formal means.
Implies winning or securing something through effort, often used for prizes, rights, or support.
He obtained citizenship.
Also used in formal contexts for acquiring documents, permits, or data.
Formal term for receiving or accepting something, often used in business for goods or payments.
Acquiring knowledge, skills, or understanding.
To acquire a skill or knowledge through learning or practice, literally 'to attach to one's body'.
I want to acquire Japanese (skills).
Formal term for learning or mastering a skill, often used in educational contexts.
Verb meaning 'to get' or 'to obtain', used for abstract things like knowledge or information.
Emphasizing the struggle or effort to obtain something.
入手 is more neutral and can be used in formal or written contexts. 手に入れる is more colloquial and emphasizes personal effort or desire. In casual conversation, 手に入れる is often more natural.
Where can I obtain this book? (neutral/formal)
I really want to get this book. (casual/emphatic)
English 'obtain' is often translated directly as 得る, but in many contexts, more specific verbs like もらう (receive), 買う (buy), or 見つける (find) are more natural. Use 入手 or 手に入れる for general 'getting' when the method is unspecified or involves effort.
To obtain a lot of support.
You need to obtain a visa.
We have received (obtained) the goods.
To acquire new skills.
言語を習得するには時間がかかる。
It takes time to acquire a language.
To obtain knowledge.
やっとのことでチケットを手に入れた。
I finally managed to obtain a ticket.