Translation guide
The English word 'taking' covers many actions: physically grabbing, accepting, choosing, consuming, capturing, and more. Japanese uses different verbs depending on what is being taken and how. This guide organizes the most common meanings for learners.
To pick up, grab, or take hold of an object.
The most general verb for taking something in your hand, picking it up, or taking it from somewhere. Often used with objects on a surface or in a container.
Please take the book on the desk.
I took the salt from the shelf.
Literally 'take in hand'. Emphasizes the action of picking something up and holding it.
I took the book in my hands and turned the pages.
To remove, steal, confiscate, or take something that belongs to someone else.
To take by force, snatch, or rob. Strong nuance of taking something that rightfully belongs to another.
To take something that is given, offered, or provided.
To take one option from several possibilities.
To choose, select, or pick. Often used when 'take' means 'choose'.
To ingest or consume medication.
To drink or swallow. The standard verb for taking oral medicine (pills, liquids).
To capture an image or sound.
To take (a photo, video, film). Used specifically for recording images.
To require or consume time, money, or energy.
To take (time, money, effort). Intransitive; the thing that takes time is the subject.
To participate in an examination or course.
To take (a test, exam, interview, class). The most common verb for this meaning.
English 'take' is extremely broad. Using 取る for taking medicine, tests, photos, or time will sound unnatural. Learn the specific verb for each context.
take medicine (incorrect)
The robber took the wallet.
To confiscate or take away (e.g., by authority). Also used for picking up a topic.
The teacher took away the student's cell phone.
To steal. More specific than 'taking', but used when the action is theft.
Someone took my bicycle.
To receive, accept, or take something handed to you. Polite and neutral.
I took the present.
Please take the package.
To receive or take something from someone. Casual. Implies the giver is of equal or lower status, or the speaker is grateful.
I took a souvenir from my friend.
Humble form of もらう. Used when receiving from a superior or in formal situations.
I took a book from my teacher.
Please take one you like.
Literally 'decide on which one'. Common in casual conversation when offering a choice.
Which cake will you take?
毎朝薬を飲んでいます。
I take medicine every morning.
Formal/medical term for taking medicine. Used in instructions and professional contexts.
Please take this medicine after meals.
写真を撮ってもいいですか？
Can I take a photo?
To record audio. Used for taking voice memos, interviews, etc.
May I take a recording of the meeting?
How long does it take to get to the station?
This work takes time.
Formal/literary verb meaning 'to require' or 'to take'. Often used in written Japanese.
It takes several months to complete.
I'm taking an exam next week.
To take an entrance exam or formal examination. More specific than 受ける.
I plan to take the university entrance exam.