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.
祖母の世話をしています。
I'm taking care of my grandmother.
Can you take care of my dog while I'm traveling?
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.
姉が子供の面倒を見てくれた。
My older sister took care of the kids for me.
Means 'to raise' or 'bring up'. Used for long-term care like raising children or growing plants.
彼女は三人の子供を育てた。
She raised three children.
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.
この案件は私が担当します。
I'll take care of this matter.
Means 'to process' or 'deal with'. Often used for paperwork, problems, or technical tasks.
その問題はすぐに処理します。
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.
掃除は私がやっておくね。
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.
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.
車に気をつけてください。
Please take care of the cars. / Be careful of the traffic.
体に気をつけてね。
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.
足元に注意してください。
Please watch your step. (Take care of your footing.)
To pay for someone's needs or expenses.
Means 'to support financially' or 'provide for'. Used for family dependents.
彼は家族を養っている。
He takes care of his family (financially).
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.
裏切り者は始末しろ。
Take care of the traitor.
Casual, means 'to beat up' or 'defeat' someone. Can be used jokingly.
あいつをやっつけてやる。
I'll take care of that guy.
The phrase 'take care of' cannot be translated word-for-word into Japanese. Always choose the expression that matches the specific meaning you intend.
× ケアを取る
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.
彼女は健康に気をつけている。
She takes good care of her health.
誰が子供の面倒を見ますか？
Who will take care of the children?
この件は早く片付けたい。
I want to take care of this matter quickly.
Can also imply financial care when context is clear, though it's broader.
親の面倒を見るのは子供の義務だ。
It's a child's duty to take care of their parents (including financially).