Translation guide
The English verb "take" covers many meanings. In Japanese, different words and patterns are used depending on what is being taken, how, and why. This guide breaks down the most common uses for learners.
To pick up, grab, or take an object with your hands.
The most general verb for taking or picking up an object. Can also mean to take something from someone.
Please take that book.
彼は机の上からペンを取った。
He took a pen from the desk.
Literally 'take in hand', used when you pick something up to examine it or hold it.
彼女はその写真を手に取った。
She took the photo in her hand.
To bring or carry something along when you go somewhere.
Means 'take' in the sense of carrying something to another place. The focus is on movement away from the speaker.
傘を持っていったほうがいいよ。
You should take an umbrella.
この書類を会議に持っていきます。
I'll take these documents to the meeting.
Used for taking a person or animal somewhere.
子供を公園に連れていった。
I took the kids to the park.
To use a vehicle or mode of transport to go somewhere.
Means 'to ride' or 'to take' a vehicle. Use with particle に.
バスに乗って駅まで行きます。
I'll take the bus to the station.
タクシーに乗りましょう。
Let's take a taxi.
Pattern meaning 'go by ~'. Use with transportation nouns.
電車で行きます。
I'll take the train.
To require or spend a certain amount of time.
Intransitive verb meaning 'to take (time)'. The time is the subject.
駅まで10分かかります。
It takes 10 minutes to the station.
Literally 'time takes', a common phrase.
この仕事は時間がかかる。
This job takes time.
To participate in an examination or course.
Means 'to take' an exam, test, interview, or class.
来週、試験を受けます。
I'll take the exam next week.
日本語の授業を受けています。
I'm taking a Japanese class.
To ingest or consume medication.
Literally 'drink', but used for all oral medicine including pills.
この薬を1日3回飲んでください。
Please take this medicine three times a day.
To capture an image with a camera.
The specific verb for taking photos or videos.
写真を撮ってもいいですか。
May I take a photo?
To sit down or occupy a chair.
Simply means 'to sit'. Often used in the て-form for invitations.
どうぞ座ってください。
Please take a seat.
A more formal phrase meaning 'to take one's seat'.
皆さん、席に着いてください。
Everyone, please take your seats.
English 'take' is often not directly translated. For example, 'take a walk' is 散歩する (さんぽする), not 散歩を取る. Always learn the natural Japanese collocation.
取る (とる) means to pick up or take something from a place. 持っていく (もっていく) means to take something with you to another place. They are not interchangeable.