とります

The Japanese verb とります (torimasu) is one of the most versatile and essential words in the Japanese language, equivalent to the English verb 'to take.' However, its utility extends far beyond just picking up a physical object. At its core, torimasu represents the act of moving something into one's possession, control, or focus. Whether you are grabbing a salt shaker at a dinner table, taking a photograph of a beautiful sunset, or even 'taking' a break from work, this verb is your go-to choice. For English speakers, the challenge lies not in the word's difficulty, but in its breadth. In Japanese, the specific nuance of 'taking' is often clarified by the Kanji used in writing, though in spoken conversation, they all sound the same: とります.

Physical Interaction

The most common usage is the physical act of grasping or picking something up. If someone asks you to pass the soy sauce, you 'take' it to give it to them. If you see a book on a high shelf, you 'take' it down. This is the foundation of the word's meaning.

Capturing Moments

In the digital age, we 'take' photos constantly. In Japanese, 'taking a photo' specifically uses しゃしんを とります. While the sound is the same, the kanji 撮る is used here to signify the capturing of an image or film.

Beyond the physical, とります is used for abstract concepts like taking a vacation (yasumi o torimasu), taking a seat (seki o torimasu), or taking a reservation (yoyaku o torimasu). In a restaurant, if you want to say 'I'll take/have this dish,' you might use a different expression, but if you are the waiter 'taking' the order, you use torimasu. It is a word that bridges the gap between the tangible and the intangible, making it a cornerstone of daily communication in Japan. Whether you are a student taking notes (memo o torimasu) or a professional taking responsibility, mastering this verb allows you to describe a vast array of actions with a single, polite term.

Social Etiquette

When someone offers you something, using 'torimasu' can signal your acceptance of the item. It is polite and clear. However, be mindful that 'torimasu' is the polite form. In casual settings with close friends, you would use 'toru'.

Grammatically, とります is a Group 1 (or U-verb) in its dictionary form とる (toru). In its polite form, it follows the standard pattern of changing the final 'u' sound to an 'i' sound and adding masu. The basic sentence structure is [Subject] は [Object] を とります. Understanding the role of the particle を (o) is crucial, as it identifies exactly what is being taken, captured, or obtained.

Basic Object Taking

When referring to physical items: 'Hon o torimasu' (I take the book). This is the most literal application. It implies picking up something that is within reach or specifically choosing an item from a group.

One of the most frequent uses for learners is in the context of photography. In Japanese, you don't 'make' or 'do' a photo; you 'take' it. The phrase しゃしんを とります (shashin o torimasu) is a set expression. If you want to ask someone to take a photo of you, you would use the request form: しゃしんを とってください (shashin o totte kudasai). Notice how the verb changes to its 'te' form in requests, becoming 'totte'.

Taking Time and Space

You can also 'take' abstract things. 'Yasumi o torimasu' means to take a holiday or a day off. 'Kyoka o torimasu' means to get permission. 'Seki o torimasu' means to save or take a seat. These usages mirror English quite closely, making them easier for English speakers to memorize.

In more advanced contexts, torimasu is used for 'taking' a communication (renraku o torimasu - to get in touch) or 'taking' a balance (baransu o torimasu). It is also used for 'getting' a good grade (ii ten o torimasu). The versatility of this verb means that as your vocabulary grows, you will find とります appearing in increasingly complex sentence patterns, often paired with nouns to form specific functional meanings.

In Japan, you will encounter とります in a variety of social environments, ranging from casual eateries to formal office settings. Understanding these contexts helps you recognize the word even when it's spoken quickly. One of the most common places is at a restaurant or a dinner party. If you are sharing dishes, someone might say, 'Watashi ga torimasu' (I'll take/serve it), meaning they will dish out the food for everyone. This shows a helpful and polite attitude.

In the Office

You will hear 'memo o torimasu' (taking notes) constantly during meetings. A boss might tell an employee, 'Renraku o totte kudasai' (Please get in touch/contact them). Here, the verb is essential for professional coordination and information management.

At Tourist Spots

If you are at a famous temple or park, you will inevitably hear 'Shashin o totte mo ii desu ka?' (Is it okay to take a photo?). This is perhaps the most useful phrase for a traveler. Locals and tourists alike use 'torimasu' in this context hundreds of times a day.

Another common hearing is in the context of reservations. When you call a hotel or a restaurant, the staff will say, 'Yoyaku o torimasu' (I will take your reservation). Similarly, at a clinic, you might 'take' an appointment. In these service-oriented interactions, とります is used to confirm that your request has been received and logged into their system. It carries a sense of official recording.

Finally, you'll hear it in sports and games. 'Ten o torimasu' means to score a point. If you're watching a baseball game or a soccer match on TV, the commentators will shout this whenever a team scores. It signifies the successful acquisition of a point or advantage. In every corner of Japanese life, from the quiet of a library to the roar of a stadium, torimasu is the verb that captures the action of getting, winning, and documenting.

While とります is often the direct translation for 'take,' English speakers frequently fall into traps by over-applying it to situations where Japanese uses a different verb. One of the most common errors is using 'torimasu' for transportation. In English, we say 'take a bus' or 'take a train.' In Japanese, you must use のります (norimasu), which means 'to board' or 'to ride.' Saying 'basu o torimasu' would sound like you are physically picking up the bus with your hands!

The 'Take a Bath' Error

Another classic mistake is 'ofuro o torimasu' for 'take a bath.' The correct phrase is 'ofuro ni hairimasu' (enter the bath). Similarly, for 'take a shower,' you should use 'shawaa o abimasu' (bathe in a shower). Using 'torimasu' in these cases is a literal translation that doesn't work in Japanese culture.

Time Duration

In English, we say 'It takes 10 minutes.' Beginners often try to use 'torimasu' for this. However, the correct verb for time duration is かかります (kakarimasu). 'Juppun torimasu' is incorrect; it should be 'Juppun kakarimasu.'

Confusion also arises with the verb もちます (mochimasu), which means 'to hold' or 'to carry.' While you might 'take' (torimasu) a bag from a table, once it is in your hand and you are carrying it, you are 'holding' (mochimasu) it. Beginners often confuse the point of action (taking) with the state of possession (holding). Additionally, when 'taking' medicine, Japanese uses the verb のみます (nomimasu - to drink), even for pills. 'Kusuri o torimasu' would mean you are picking up the bottle, but not necessarily consuming the medicine.

Because とります is so broad, there are many specific verbs that might be more appropriate depending on the situation. Learning these alternatives will make your Japanese sound more natural and precise. For instance, when you 'pick up' something that was dropped or found on the ground, use ひろいます (hiroimasu). While 'torimasu' could work, 'hiroimasu' specifically implies picking up something from below.

とります vs. うけとります

'Torimasu' is the act of taking, often initiated by you. うけとります (uketorimasu) means 'to receive.' Use this when someone is handing you a package or a letter. It emphasizes the receipt of something given by another person.

とります vs. もらいます

'Moraimasu' also means 'to receive,' but it focuses on the benefit or the gift aspect. If you 'take' a sample at a store, you 'torimasu' it. If someone 'gives' you a present and you receive it, you 'moraimasu' it.

In the context of 'taking' or 'stealing,' the verb changes to ぬすみます (nusumimasu). While 'torimasu' can sometimes be used euphemistically for taking something that isn't yours, 'nusumimasu' is the direct word for theft. On the more positive side, if you are 'taking' a person somewhere (like taking a friend to the station), use おくります (okurimasu - to send/escort) or つれていきます (tsurete ikimasu - to take someone along).

Lastly, consider the verb えらびます (erabimasu - to choose). Sometimes when we say 'I'll take this one' in a shop, we really mean 'I choose this one.' In Japanese, 'Kore ni shimasu' (I'll go with this) or 'Kore o erabimasu' is often more natural than 'Kore o torimasu.' By distinguishing between taking, receiving, picking up, and choosing, you will navigate social interactions with much greater clarity.