Translation guide
The English phrase 'picking up' has many meanings. This guide covers the most common ones for learners: physically lifting something, collecting someone or something, learning a skill informally, and noticing something. It does not cover every possible Japanese translation.
To lift an object from a surface or the ground.
Used for picking up something that has fallen or is on the ground. Often implies retrieving or gathering.
I picked up the trash that was on the ground.
He picked up the pen from the floor.
To lift something up, often with effort. Focuses on the action of raising.
I picked up the heavy box.
To pick up or take something in hand, often from a surface. Can also mean to confiscate or adopt.
He picked up the phone.
To go and get a person or thing from a place, often by vehicle.
To go to pick up a person, usually from a station, airport, etc. Implies going to meet them.
I went to pick up my friend at the station.
I will pick her up at the airport.
Can be used for picking up people, especially in casual contexts like giving a ride. Also for collecting items.
To receive or pick up something that has been prepared or delivered, like a package or ticket.
To acquire a skill, language, or habit without formal study, often by exposure.
To acquire a skill or knowledge, often through practice or experience. Literally 'attach to one's body'.
I picked up Japanese while living in Japan.
To learn or memorize. Can be used for picking up words or habits.
To learn naturally, without conscious effort. Emphasizes the informal aspect.
To become aware of something subtle, like a sound, smell, or mistake.
To notice or realize something. Commonly used for picking up on hints, changes, or errors.
I picked up on his lie right away.
When I entered the room, I picked up a strange smell.
To sense or perceive something intuitively. Often used for picking up on atmosphere or emotions.
To infer or guess someone's feelings or situation. More formal and empathetic.
The English phrase 'pick up' is highly polysemous. Do not assume a single Japanese word covers all meanings. Always consider the context: lifting, collecting, learning, or noticing.
拾う (hirou) is for picking up something from the ground or a surface, often small items. 持ち上げる (mochiageru) emphasizes lifting something up, possibly heavy, and does not necessarily imply it was on the ground.
Can you pick up the kids from school?
I picked up some Spanish while traveling.
She picked up the coin from the floor.
I picked up a friend on the way.
I picked up my clothes at the dry cleaner's.
郵便局で小包を受け取った。
I picked up a package at the post office.
He picked up programming on his own.
旅行中にいくつか現地の言葉を覚えた。
I picked up a few local words during my trip.
Children pick up language naturally while playing.
She quickly picks up on the mood of the room.
彼の沈黙から悲しみを察した。
I picked up on his sadness from his silence.