とります

§ とります is not always "to take"

The Japanese verb とります (torimasu) is super common, and it can mean many things like "to take," "to get," or "to pick up." Because it has so many uses, it's easy for English speakers to make mistakes. Let's look at some of the most common ones.

§ Don't use とります for literally everything you "take"

In English, we say "take a picture," "take a break," or "take a bus." In Japanese, you often use different verbs for these actions. Using とります for all of them will sound unnatural, and sometimes just plain wrong.

Definition

To take; to get; to pick up.

Here are some common situations where learners mistakenly use とります:

• Taking a picture: You should use 撮ります (torimasu, different kanji) or 写真を撮ります (shashin o torimasu). While it sounds the same, the kanji is different, indicating a different meaning for "to photograph."

• Taking a break/rest: The correct verb is 休みます (yasumimasu).

• Taking a bus/train (transportation): You should use 乗ります (norimasu).

• Taking medicine: Use 飲みます (nomimasu), which means "to drink." Even though you "take" pills, Japanese uses "drink" for consuming medicine.

§ Overusing the particle を (o) with とります

While とります often takes the direct object particle を (o), sometimes it doesn't, or it uses a different particle depending on the nuance. For example, when talking about taking a seat, you might hear 席に座ります (seki ni suwarimasu) which means "to sit in a seat" rather than 席を取ります (seki o torimasu), though the latter is also correct if you mean to *reserve* or *secure* a seat.

§ Not understanding the nuance of "to get" or "to obtain"

とります can mean "to get" or "to obtain," but there are other verbs with similar meanings, like もらいます (moraimasu) or 手に入れます (te ni iremasu). The difference often lies in who initiated the action or if there's a sense of receiving vs. actively acquiring.

Definition

To take; to get; to pick up.

• Receiving something from someone: Use もらいます (moraimasu).

• Actively acquiring or obtaining something: とります can work, but for certain contexts, 手に入れます (te ni iremasu) might be more suitable, especially for something difficult to acquire.

§ Confusing とります with 取る (toru) (stem form)

This isn't a mistake with the meaning itself, but with the formality and usage. とります is the polite -masu form, suitable for most everyday conversations. 取る (toru) is the dictionary form, often used in casual settings, with grammar patterns, or in written form. Using the wrong form can sound too direct or too formal for the situation.

Definition

To take; to get; to pick up.

By being aware of these common pitfalls, you can use とります (torimasu) more naturally and avoid sounding like a textbook. Pay attention to the specific context and the particles used with the verb, and you'll improve quickly!

§ Understanding とります in Context

When you're learning Japanese, it's common to find several words that seem to have similar meanings in English. This is definitely true for とります (torimasu), which can mean 'to take,' 'to get,' or 'to pick up.' However, the specific nuances of とります become clear when you compare it with other verbs that also translate to 'to take' or 'to get.'

The key to mastering とります is understanding the situations where it's the most natural and appropriate choice. It often implies a more active, intentional act of acquiring or obtaining something. It's not just about passively receiving. Think of it as reaching out and taking something for yourself, or even taking an action like taking a photo.

§ とります vs. もらいます (moraimasu)

One of the most common comparisons is between とります and もらいます. While both can mean 'to get' or 'to receive,' they carry different implications:

• とります (torimasu): Implies actively taking something, often from a specific place or person, or performing an action.
• もらいます (moraimasu): Implies receiving something from someone, often as a gift or a favor. It emphasizes the giver.

§ とります vs. 買います (kaimasu)

While とります can sometimes imply acquiring something, it's not the same as buying. 買います (kaimasu) specifically means 'to buy,' implying a transaction involving money.

• とります (torimasu): To take, pick up, get (without necessarily buying).
• 買います (kaimasu): To buy, to purchase.

§ Specific Uses of とります

Beyond general 'taking,' とります is used in many common phrases:

To take a photo

写真を撮ります (shashin o torimasu)

To take a rest/break

休みを取ります (yasumi o torimasu)

To take notes

メモを取ります (memo o torimasu)

To take a train/bus

電車/バスに乗ります (densha/basu ni norimasu)

Here's a crucial point: While in English you 'take' a train or a bus, in Japanese, you use 乗ります (norimasu), which means 'to ride' or 'to get on.' You do not use とります for this context.

§ Summary of とります Usage

とります is a versatile verb, but its core meaning revolves around active acquisition or the performance of certain actions. It's often used for:

• Picking up objects (e.g., a book, a pen).
• Taking things that are available (e.g., a ticket, a number).
• Performing specific actions (e.g., taking a photo, taking a rest, taking notes).

Avoid using とります when you mean to receive something as a gift (use もらいます) or when you're talking about riding public transport (use 乗ります). By understanding these distinctions, you'll use とります much more accurately and naturally in your Japanese conversations.