Translation guide
A guide to expressing 'take care of' in Japanese, organized by the intended meaning: looking after someone, handling a task, being careful, and more.
To care for someone's well-being, supervise, or provide for them.
The most common and versatile way to say 'take care of' a person, pet, or plant. Implies active care and attention.
I'm taking care of my grandmother.
Can you take care of my dog while I'm traveling?
Means 'to raise' or 'bring up'. Used for long-term care like raising children or growing plants.
To deal with something, complete a task, or manage a situation.
Means 'to be in charge of' or 'handle'. Used in work or formal contexts when you are responsible for a specific task.
To pay attention to potential danger or to be cautious.
The standard way to say 'be careful' or 'take care'. Used for safety, health, and general caution.
To pay for someone's needs or expenses.
To handle, punish, or 'take care of' someone, sometimes with a threatening nuance.
Means 'to dispose of' or 'deal with' a person, often implying elimination or severe handling. Used in crime/thriller contexts.
The phrase 'take care of' cannot be translated word-for-word into Japanese. Always choose the expression that matches the specific meaning you intend.
Literal translation (nonsense)
Both mean 'to look after', but 世話をする is more general and can be used for pets, plants, or simple care. 面倒を見る implies a greater degree of responsibility or burden, often for people needing significant help.
Similar to 世話をする, but often implies looking after someone who needs more help, like a child or elderly person. Slightly more involved.
My older sister took care of the kids for me.
彼女は三人の子供を育てた。
She raised three children.
I'll take care of this matter.
Means 'to process' or 'deal with'. Often used for paperwork, problems, or technical tasks.
I'll take care of that problem right away.
Casual way to say 'I'll do it (in advance/for later)'. Implies you'll handle it without needing to be reminded.
I'll take care of the cleaning.
Means 'to tidy up' or 'put away', but can also mean 'to settle' or 'deal with' a problem.
I want to take care of this matter quickly.
Please take care of the cars. / Be careful of the traffic.
Take care of yourself. (lit. Take care of your body.)
More formal than 気をつける. Often used in warnings or official notices.
Please watch your step. (Take care of your footing.)
Means 'to support financially' or 'provide for'. Used for family dependents.
He takes care of his family (financially).
Can also imply financial care when context is clear, though it's broader.
It's a child's duty to take care of their parents (including financially).
Take care of the traitor.
Casual, means 'to beat up' or 'defeat' someone. Can be used jokingly.
I'll take care of that guy.
She takes good care of her health.
Who will take care of the children?