In 15 Seconds
- Used for recording information in a structured way.
- Common in schools, offices, and learning environments.
- Combines 'notebook' with the verb 'to take'.
Meaning
It means writing down information while someone is speaking so you can remember it later. It is the standard way to say you are 'taking notes' in a class or meeting.
Key Examples
3 of 6In a university lecture
先生の話を聞きながら、ノートを取ります。
I take notes while listening to the teacher.
At a cooking class
レシピのコツを忘れないようにノートを取った。
I took notes so I wouldn't forget the recipe tips.
A formal business meeting
会議の内容をしっかりノートに取ってください。
Please take thorough notes on the meeting contents.
Cultural Background
In Japan, the quality and neatness of one's notes are often linked to their work ethic. Stationery stores like Loft or Tokyu Hands dedicate entire floors to notebooks designed specifically for different styles of note-taking. This phrase reflects the high value placed on preparation and diligence in Japanese society.
Digital vs. Paper
Even if you use an iPad or laptop, you still say `ノートを取る`. The 'notebook' is now digital!
Don't just say 'Note'
In English, we say 'I'll make a note.' In Japanese, you must use the verb `取る`. Just saying `ノートする` sounds unnatural.
In 15 Seconds
- Used for recording information in a structured way.
- Common in schools, offices, and learning environments.
- Combines 'notebook' with the verb 'to take'.
What It Means
Think of ノートを取る as your brain's external hard drive. It is the act of capturing ideas on paper or a screen. You are not just writing; you are recording for the future. It is a very common phrase in Japan. It covers everything from school lectures to business meetings. If you are listening and writing, you are doing this.
How To Use It
Using this phrase is very simple. You just need the noun ノート and the verb 取る. Put the object marker を in the middle. To make it polite, say ノートを取ります. If you are asking a friend, use ノート取ってる？. You can also add where you are taking notes. For example, 授業でノートを取る means 'taking notes in class'. It is a very versatile 'do-it-all' phrase.
When To Use It
Use this anytime you are in a learning environment. It is perfect for university lectures or high school classes. Use it at work during a briefing from your boss. You can even use it at a museum or a workshop. If you are at a cafe studying, this is the phrase. It shows you are being diligent and paying attention. People will appreciate your effort to remember the details.
When NOT To Use It
Do not use this for short, quick snippets of info. If you are just writing a phone number, use メモを取る. Do not use it for creative writing like a novel. It is also not for writing a letter or a diary. If you are just doodling, this phrase does not fit. It implies a structured effort to record specific information. Also, do not use it for taking a physical notebook from a shelf!
Cultural Background
Japan has a massive stationery culture. People take pride in their notebooks and pens. You will see students using multi-colored pens for different topics. There are even 'Note-taking' contests in some Japanese schools. Taking neat notes is seen as a sign of respect. It shows you value the speaker's time and information. It is a deeply ingrained habit for many Japanese professionals.
Common Variations
The most common variation is メモを取る. This is for shorter, quicker notes. If you are in a very formal meeting, use 議事録を取る. That means 'taking the minutes' of the meeting. You might also hear 書き留める, which means 'to jot down'. For digital notes, some people just say メモする. But ノートを取る remains the classic, most reliable expression.
Usage Notes
This is a neutral collocation suitable for almost any situation. Use the polite `~masu` form in professional or academic settings to sound respectful.
Digital vs. Paper
Even if you use an iPad or laptop, you still say `ノートを取る`. The 'notebook' is now digital!
Don't just say 'Note'
In English, we say 'I'll make a note.' In Japanese, you must use the verb `取る`. Just saying `ノートする` sounds unnatural.
Stationery Heaven
Visit a store like 'Itoya' in Ginza. You will see how seriously Japanese people take the tools for `ノートを取る`!
Examples
6先生の話を聞きながら、ノートを取ります。
I take notes while listening to the teacher.
A standard academic use of the phrase.
レシピのコツを忘れないようにノートを取った。
I took notes so I wouldn't forget the recipe tips.
Using the past tense 'totta' for a completed action.
会議の内容をしっかりノートに取ってください。
Please take thorough notes on the meeting contents.
Using 'kudasai' makes this a polite instruction.
今日の授業、ノート取った？見せてほしいな。
Did you take notes in today's class? I'd like to see them.
Casual question between friends.
猫の変な動きを観察してノートを取っている。
I'm taking notes while observing my cat's weird movements.
A slightly silly, obsessive use of the phrase.
祖父の大切な話を一言も漏らさずノートに取った。
I took notes on my grandfather's precious stories without missing a word.
Shows deep respect and emotional value.
Test Yourself
Choose the correct particle to complete the phrase.
大学の授業でノート___取る。
The particle 'を' marks the object (notebook) being 'taken' (recorded).
Choose the correct verb form for 'I am currently taking notes'.
今、大切なところをノートに___。
'~te imasu' indicates an ongoing action happening right now.
🎉 Score: /2
Visual Learning Aids
Formality of Recording Info
Quickly jotting a phone number.
メモを取る (memo o toru)
Standard note-taking in class.
ノートを取る (nooto o toru)
Official meeting minutes.
議事録を取る (gijiroku o toru)
Where to use ノートを取る
University Lecture
Writing down the professor's slides.
Business Briefing
Recording project deadlines.
Cooking Workshop
Writing down secret ingredients.
Self-Study at Cafe
Summarizing a textbook chapter.
Practice Bank
2 exercises大学の授業でノート___取る。
The particle 'を' marks the object (notebook) being 'taken' (recorded).
今、大切なところをノートに___。
'~te imasu' indicates an ongoing action happening right now.
🎉 Score: /2
Frequently Asked Questions
10 questionsノート is for long-form, structured information like a lecture. メモ is for short, temporary reminders like a shopping list or a phone number.
Yes, you can say ノートに書く, but ノートを取る is the specific set phrase for the *act* of taking notes during a session.
Yes, it is neutral. To be more polite, use the form ノートを取らせていただきます (Allow me to take notes).
No! While 取る can mean 'to take' or 'to steal' in other contexts, here it means 'to record' or 'to capture'.
You would say ノートを取るのを忘れました (Nooto o toru no o wasuremashita).
No, that is 写真を撮る. ノートを取る specifically implies writing or typing.
Not really, but young people might just say メモる (memoru) as a casual verb for taking a quick note.
Use に to indicate the destination of the writing. For example: ノートに取る (to take [notes] into a notebook).
No. Musical notes are called 音符 (onpu). This phrase is only for written words/information.
Extremely common. It is culturally seen as a sign of being 'majime' (serious and diligent).
Related Phrases
メモを取る (take a quick memo)
書き留める (to jot down/record)
筆記する (to take notes/write down - formal)
記録する (to record/document)
控えを取る (to keep a copy/record for oneself)
