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.
チケットを入手するのは難しい。
It's difficult to obtain tickets.
情報を入手しました。
I obtained the information.
Often used for obtaining qualifications, licenses, data, or rights. Slightly more formal than 入手.
資格を取得するために勉強しています。
I'm studying to obtain a qualification.
データを取得する方法を教えてください。
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.
どうしてもその本を手に入れたい。
I really want to get my hands on that book.
彼はついに念願の車を手に入れた。
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.
彼は市民権を獲得した。
He obtained citizenship.
多数の支持を獲得する。
To obtain a lot of support.
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'.
日本語を身につけたい。
I want to acquire Japanese (skills).
新しい技術を身につける。
To acquire new 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.
知識を得る。
To obtain knowledge.
Emphasizing the struggle or effort to obtain something.
To win or obtain through struggle, often used for rights, freedom, or victory.
彼らは自由を勝ち取った。
They obtained their freedom.
Also used when something is hard to get.
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.
この本はどこで入手できますか？
Where can I obtain this book? (neutral/formal)
この本、どうしても手に入れたいんだ。
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.
You need to obtain a visa.
We have received (obtained) the goods.
It takes time to acquire a language.
やっとのことでチケットを手に入れた。
I finally managed to obtain a ticket.