Translation guide
The English phrase "take away" has several distinct meanings. This guide covers the most common uses for learners: physically removing something, subtracting, taking food to go, learning a lesson, and more.
To physically take something from someone or somewhere, often implying removal or confiscation.
Common verb meaning to take something away from someone, often by authority or force. Can also mean to confiscate or to pick up (a topic).
The teacher took away my cell phone.
To carry something away; often used for theft or removing objects from a scene.
To snatch away, rob, or deprive someone of something. Stronger nuance of taking by force.
To remove a number or amount from a total; mathematical subtraction.
Standard verb for subtraction in math. Also used for deducting amounts.
To order food at a restaurant and take it elsewhere to eat.
To derive a lesson, understanding, or feeling from something.
To learn or take away a lesson. Often used with 教訓 (lesson) or こと (thing).
To remove or alleviate a negative sensation or emotion.
To take a person into custody or to a place, often by police.
To take someone away, typically by authorities.
English 'take away' is often used metaphorically (e.g., 'What did you take away from the meeting?'). In Japanese, use verbs like 学ぶ (manabu) or 得る (eru) instead of literal removal verbs.
取り上げる often implies taking from a person's possession, sometimes by authority. 持ち去る focuses on physically carrying something away, often used in crime contexts.
The police took him away.
犯人は現金を持ち去った。
The culprit took away the cash.
He took away my freedom.
１０から３を引くと７になる。
If you take away 3 from 10, you get 7.
To deduct or subtract, often used in financial contexts.
Tax is taken away from the salary.
Noun meaning takeout. Often used in phrases like 持ち帰りにする (to get takeout).
Can I take away this dish?
Loanword from English, commonly used in Japan for takeout.
I'd like to take away, please.
I took away a lot from this experience.
To gain or obtain something abstract, like knowledge or an impression.
I hope you take away something from that story.
To remove or take away something unwanted, like pain or anxiety.
This medicine takes away the pain.
To ease or alleviate, often used for pain or stress.
The massage took away my fatigue.
The police took away the suspect.
To arrest; more formal and specific to legal detention.
He was taken away on the spot.
Can I take this away?