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A1 verb #200 most common 8 min read

とる

toru Top 200

At the A1 level, 'とる' (toru) is primarily introduced as a physical action verb meaning 'to take' or 'to pick up.' Beginners learn this word in the context of daily interactions, such as asking someone to pass an item at the dinner table or picking up a dropped object. The focus is on the dictionary form 'toru' and the polite 'torimasu' and 'totte kudasai' forms. At this stage, students should understand that 'toru' requires the particle 'o' to indicate what is being taken. For example, 'Shio o torimasu' (I take the salt). The concept of different kanji is usually not emphasized yet; learners typically see it in hiragana or as the basic kanji '取る'. The goal for A1 learners is to use 'toru' for simple, concrete objects and to understand basic requests involving the verb.

At the A2 level, learners expand their use of 'とる' to include common set phrases and abstract concepts. This includes 'shashin o toru' (to take a photo), 'yasumi o toru' (to take a holiday), and 'kyuukei o toru' (to take a break). A2 students begin to see the kanji '撮る' for photography and '録る' for recording, learning that pronunciation remains the same but the meaning is specialized. They also learn to use 'toru' in more complex sentence structures, such as 'toru tame ni' (in order to take) or 'totte mo ii desu ka' (may I take?). The distinction between 'toru' (to take) and 'morau' (to receive) becomes more important as learners describe social exchanges. They also start using 'toru' for taking transportation, like 'takushii o toru' (to catch a taxi).

At the B1 level, 'とる' is used for more nuanced and professional actions. Learners encounter '採る' (toru) which means to hire someone or to adopt a method, and '捕る' (toru) which means to catch fish or prey. B1 students are expected to handle abstract 'taking' such as 'renraku o toru' (to get in touch) or 'ii ten o toru' (to get good grades). They also learn idiomatic expressions like 'toshi o toru' (to grow older/take years). The focus shifts toward choosing the correct kanji in writing and understanding the subtle differences between 'toru' and more formal synonyms like 'saityou suru' (to adopt) or 'kakuhou suru' (to secure). B1 learners should be comfortable using 'toru' in various registers, from casual talk with friends to polite office communication.

At the B2 level, 'とる' appears in academic and formal contexts. Learners encounter '執る' (toru), used for taking up a pen to write or taking charge of an office/business. They also learn '摂る' (toru) for nutritional intake, such as 'eiyou o toru' (to take nutrients). B2 students analyze how 'toru' functions in compound verbs and complex grammatical constructions. They explore the metaphorical uses of 'taking,' such as 'sekinin o toru' (to take responsibility) or 'taido o toru' (to take an attitude/stance). At this level, the learner should be able to distinguish between 'toru' and other 'take' verbs like 'ukeru' (to receive/undergo) in all contexts, ensuring their word choice reflects the specific nuance of 'active acquisition' inherent in 'toru'.

At the C1 level, 'とる' is understood in its most subtle and literary forms. This includes the use of 'toru' to mean 'to interpret' or 'to take a certain meaning' from a text or statement (e.g., 'dou tottara ii ka' - how should I take/interpret this?). C1 learners study the historical etymology of the word and its role in classical Japanese literature. They are expected to use 'toru' in high-level business negotiations, such as 'shudouken o toru' (to take the initiative/leadership). The focus is on precision; a C1 speaker knows exactly when 'toru' is the most impactful choice versus a more specialized technical term. They also master rare kanji variations and the use of 'toru' in proverbs and sophisticated idioms.

At the C2 level, mastery of 'とる' involves an intuitive grasp of its role in the Japanese worldview of possession and action. The speaker can use 'toru' to convey deep irony, poetic nuance, or legal precision. They understand the philosophical implications of 'taking' in Japanese culture, such as 'inochi o toru' (taking a life) in historical contexts versus modern legal language. C2 learners can effortlessly switch between all kanji forms (取, 撮, 採, 捕, 録, 執, 摂, 盗) depending on the desired tone and medium. They can also critique the use of 'toru' in translations, identifying where a 'take' in English has been incorrectly or brilliantly rendered as 'toru' in Japanese. Their usage is indistinguishable from a highly educated native speaker.

Practice it Examples Notes & Tips

とる in 30 Seconds

Toru is a fundamental Japanese verb meaning 'to take' or 'to pick up'.
It uses different kanji for specific meanings like photos (撮る) or hiring (採る).
Commonly used in requests like 'Shio o totte' (Pass the salt).
Essential for abstract concepts like taking breaks, notes, or responsibility.

The Japanese verb とる (toru) is a linguistic Swiss Army knife, serving as one of the most fundamental and versatile action words in the Japanese language. At its most basic level, it describes the physical act of extending one's hand to grasp, pick up, or take possession of an object. However, as learners progress from the CEFR A1 level toward fluency, they discover that 'toru' expands into a vast array of abstract and specialized meanings, often distinguished in writing by different kanji characters despite sharing the same pronunciation. In daily life, you will use 'toru' to ask someone to pass the salt, to describe taking a seat, to mention taking a break from work, or even to talk about getting a good grade on a test. It is the go-to verb for the act of 'obtaining' or 'acquiring' something, whether that thing is a physical item, a piece of information, or a period of time.

Physical Interaction: The primary use involves picking something up or taking it from a location. This is usually written as 取る.

Abstract Acquisition: Used for taking a vacation (yasumi o toru), taking a break (kyuukei o toru), or obtaining a license (menkyo o toru).

Media and Recording: When taking a photo (撮る) or recording video/audio (録る), the pronunciation remains 'toru' but the kanji changes to specify the medium.

すみません、そのペンをとってください。 (Sumimasen, sono pen o totte kudasai.) - Excuse me, please pass/take that pen for me.

公園で写真をとりました。 (Kouen de shashin o torimashita.) - I took a photo at the park.

いい点をとるために勉強します。 (Ii ten o toru tame ni benkyou shimasu.) - I study in order to get (take) good grades.

椅子をとっておきました。 (Isu o totte okimashita.) - I reserved/saved a seat.

朝ご飯をとる。 (Asagohan o toru.) - To have (take) breakfast.

In a social context, 'toru' often implies a transition of state. When you 'take' a photo, you are capturing a moment. When you 'take' a seat, you are changing from standing to sitting. When you 'take' a break, you are transitioning from work to rest. This sense of 'capturing' or 'securing' is the thread that connects all its various uses. Whether you are a student taking notes (noto o toru) or a professional taking a leadership role (shippu o toru), this verb is indispensable for describing how you interact with the world around you.

Using とる (toru) correctly requires an understanding of its conjugation and its relationship with the direct object particle を (o). As a Godan verb (Group 1), its stem changes follow the 'u' to 'i' pattern for the polite form. The most common forms you will encounter are 'toru' (dictionary form), 'torimasu' (polite form), and 'totte' (te-form). The te-form is particularly important because it is used for requests ('totte kudasai') and for linking actions.

The Direct Object: Almost always, 'toru' is transitive. You take *something*. [Noun] + を + とる. Example: 'Hon o toru' (Take a book).

Polite Requests: Use the te-form + kudasai. 'Shio o totte kudasai' (Please pass the salt). This is a standard phrase at the dinner table.

Past Tense: The past tense is 'totta' (casual) or 'torimashita' (polite). 'Shashin o torimashita' (I took a photo).

帽子をとってください。 (Boushi o totte kudasai.) - Please take off your hat / Please hand me the hat.

彼は１位をとりました。 (Kare wa ichii o torimashita.) - He took first place.

メモをとっておいてください。 (Memo o totte oite kudasai.) - Please take notes (in advance/for later).

バランスをとるのが難しい。 (Baransu o toru no ga muzukashii.) - It is difficult to keep (take) balance.

連絡をとりましょう。 (Renraku o torimashou.) - Let's get (take) in touch.

One nuance to watch for is the difference between 'toru' and 'morau'. While both can be translated as 'get' or 'receive' in English, 'toru' implies an active effort or a physical reaching out, whereas 'morau' implies receiving something given by another person. If you 'take' a cookie from a jar, it's 'toru'. If your friend 'gives' you a cookie and you 'receive' it, it's 'morau'. Mastery of 'toru' involves recognizing these active versus passive dynamics in Japanese social interactions.

You will encounter とる (toru) in almost every corner of Japanese society. It is a high-frequency verb that appears in casual conversations, professional settings, and media. Understanding its context-specific uses will help you sound more natural and comprehend native speakers more effectively. From the kitchen to the boardroom, 'toru' is everywhere.

At Home / Dining: 'Shio o totte' (Pass the salt) or 'Sara o toru' (Pick up a plate). It's also used for 'taking' nutrition or meals: 'Eiyou o toru' (Take nutrients).

Photography / Tourism: 'Shashin o totte mo ii desu ka?' (Is it okay to take a photo?). This is perhaps the most common phrase tourists use in Japan.

Work / Office: 'Denwa o toru' (Answer/take the phone), 'Memo o toru' (Take notes), or 'Yasumi o toru' (Take a day off).

ここで写真を撮ってもいいですか？ (Koko de shashin o totte mo ii desu ka?) - May I take a photo here?

来週、休みをとります。 (Raishuu, yasumi o torimasu.) - I will take a holiday next week.

ビザをとるのに時間がかかりました。 (Biza o toru no ni jikan ga kakarimashita.) - It took time to get (take) the visa.

タクシーをとる。 (Takushii o toru.) - To catch/take a taxi.

出前をとる。 (Demae o toru.) - To order (take) food delivery.

In media, you'll hear 'toru' in news reports about 'taking' measures (sochi o toru) or 'taking' a poll (anketo o toru). In anime or movies, a character might shout 'Inochi o toru!' (I'll take your life!), showing the verb's darker, more aggressive potential. The versatility of 'toru' means that once you learn it, you'll start hearing it everywhere, and each time, the surrounding words will give you a clue as to which specific 'taking' is happening.

While とる (toru) is versatile, English speakers often over-apply it based on English 'take' idioms, leading to unnatural Japanese. Japanese has several verbs for 'take' depending on the specific action, and using 'toru' where 'tsurete iku' or 'motsu' is required is a classic beginner pitfall.

Take vs. Bring (People): In English, we say 'I will take my friend to the party.' In Japanese, you cannot use 'toru' for people. You must use 'tsurete iku'. Using 'toru' here sounds like you are physically picking up your friend like an object.

Take vs. Hold: 'Toru' is the act of *acquiring*. If you are already carrying something, use 'motsu'. 'Nimotsu o toru' means to pick up the luggage; 'Nimotsu o motsu' means to carry/hold it.

Take a Shower: In English, we 'take' a shower. In Japanese, you 'bathe in' a shower: 'shawaa o abiru'. Saying 'shawaa o toru' is a direct translation error.

❌ 友達をパーティーにとる。 (Tomodachi o paatii ni toru.) - Incorrect.

✅ 友達をパーティーに連れて行く。 (Tomodachi o paatii ni tsurete iku.) - Correct.

❌ シャワーをとる。 (Shawaa o toru.) - Incorrect.

✅ シャワーを浴びる。 (Shawaa o abiru.) - Correct.

❌ 薬をとる。 (Kusuri o toru.) - Usually incorrect (unless picking up the bottle).

Another subtle mistake is confusing 'toru' with 'ukeru' (to receive/take an exam). While you 'take' an exam in English, in Japanese you 'receive' it (shiken o ukeru). If you say 'shiken o toru', it sounds like you are physically grabbing the exam paper from the teacher's desk. Always think: is this 'take' an act of grabbing/securing, or is it a more passive experience? If it's the latter, 'toru' might be the wrong choice.

Because とる (toru) covers so much ground, it's helpful to know more specific verbs that can replace it to provide clearer meaning. Using specific verbs makes your Japanese sound more advanced and precise.

つかむ (Tsukamu) - To Grab/Grasp: While 'toru' is a general 'take', 'tsukamu' implies a firm grip or a sudden grab. Use this for grabbing a handrail or grasping a concept.

うける (Ukeru) - To Receive/Take (Exam/Lesson): Use this for 'taking' an exam, a lesson, or an interview. It implies you are the recipient of the process.

もらう (Morau) - To Receive (Gift): Use this when someone gives you something. 'Toru' is you taking it; 'morau' is you being given it.

チャンスをつかむ。 (Chansu o tsukamu.) - To seize (grab) an opportunity.

授業を受ける。 (Jugyou o ukeru.) - To take a class.

プレゼントをもらう。 (Purezento o morau.) - To receive a present.

荷物を運ぶ。 (Nimotsu o hakobu.) - To carry/transport luggage.

時間をかける。 (Jikan o kakeru.) - To take (spend) time.

When choosing between 'toru' and its alternatives, ask yourself: Is the action physical or mental? Is it a gift or a grab? Is it a process or a single moment? For example, 'taking time' in Japanese isn't 'toru' (which would mean grabbing time), but 'kakeru' (spending/hanging time). By learning these distinctions, you move beyond simple translation and start thinking in Japanese.

How Formal Is It?

Formal

"休暇を執らせていただきます。"

Neutral

"休みをとります。"

Informal

"休みとるわ。"

Child friendly

"おもちゃをとってね。"

Slang

"マウントとんなよ。"

Fun Fact

The kanji '取' (take) depicts an ear (耳) and a hand (又). In ancient times, warriors would 'take' the ears of defeated enemies as proof of their deeds.

Pronunciation Guide

UK /tɒ.ruː/

US /toʊ.ru/

Flat pitch accent (Heiban). The pitch starts low and stays high.

Rhymes With

Noru (to ride) Yoru (to stop by) Kiru (to cut) Suru (to do) Miru (to see) Toru (to take) Aru (to exist) Uru (to sell)

Common Errors

Pronouncing the 'r' like an English 'r' (curling the tongue).
Elongating the 'u' too much (should be short).
Putting the stress on the first syllable like 'TO-ru'.

Difficulty Rating

Reading 2/5

Easy to read in hiragana, but requires learning multiple kanji variations later.

Writing 3/5

The basic kanji is simple, but knowing when to use 撮, 採, or 録 is tricky.

Speaking 1/5

Very easy to pronounce and use in basic sentences.

Listening 2/5

Easy to hear, but context is needed to know which 'taking' is meant.

What to Learn Next

Prerequisites

を (o - particle) です (desu) ます (masu) これ (kore) 塩 (shio)

Learn Next

持つ (motsu) 貰う (morau) 受ける (ukeru) 運ぶ (hakobu) 置く (oku)

Advanced

摂取する (sesshu suru) 採用する (saiyou suru) 解釈する (kaishaku suru) 奪還する (dakkan suru) 把握する (haaku suru)

Grammar to Know

Te-form for requests

とってください (Please take).

Transitive verb with を

本をとる (Take a book).

Potential form (toreru)

写真がとれる (Can take a photo).

Volitional form (torou)

休みをとろう (Let's take a break).

Compound verb formation

書き取る (Write down).

Examples by Level

塩をとってください。

Please pass the salt.

Uses the te-form 'totte' for a polite request.

本をとります。

I will take the book.

Simple transitive sentence with 'o' particle.

ペンをとりました。

I took the pen.

Past tense 'torimashita'.

これをとってください。

Please take this.

Demonstrative 'kore' as the object.

帽子をとる。

To take off a hat.

Dictionary form used for a general action.

カバンをとります。

I will pick up the bag.

Polite present/future form.

りんごをとってください。

Please take an apple.

Specific noun 'ringo' as object.

ノートをとる。

To take notes.

Common collocation for studying.

写真を撮ってもいいですか？

May I take a photo?

Uses '撮る' for photography and 'te-mo ii' for permission.

休みをとります。

I will take a holiday.

Abstract use of 'taking' time.

タクシーをとりましょう。

Let's catch a taxi.

Volitional form 'torimashou'.

５分、休憩をとりましょう。

Let's take a 5-minute break.

Used for taking a short rest.

ビデオを録る。

To record a video.

Uses '録る' for electronic recording.

いい席をとりました。

I got a good seat.

Implies securing or reserving a spot.

朝ご飯をとる。

To have breakfast.

Alternative to 'taberu' for 'having' a meal.

連絡をとってください。

Please get in touch.

Abstract collocation for communication.

新しい社員を５人採る。

We will hire five new employees.

Uses '採る' for hiring/recruiting.

川で魚を捕りました。

I caught a fish in the river.

Uses '捕る' for catching animals/fish.

テストで満点をとった。

I got a perfect score on the test.

Casual past tense for achieving a score.

バランスをとるのが上手です。

He is good at keeping his balance.

Abstract use of 'taking' balance.

免許をとるために練習します。

I practice in order to get my license.

Used for obtaining qualifications.

予約をとっておきました。

I made a reservation in advance.

Uses 'totte oku' for doing something in preparation.

年をとると、疲れやすくなる。

As you get older, you tire more easily.

Idiom 'toshi o toru' (to age).

出前をとりましょうか？

Shall we order delivery?

Used for ordering food to be brought to you.

彼は事務局長の職を執った。

He took the position of Secretary General.

Uses '執る' for taking office or handling affairs.

十分な睡眠をとることが大切だ。

It is important to get enough sleep.

Formal use for physiological needs.

栄養をバランスよく摂る。

Take nutrients in a well-balanced way.

Uses '摂る' for nutritional intake.

会社は強硬な態度をとった。

The company took a firm stance.

Abstract use for behavior/attitude.

責任をとって辞任する。

Take responsibility and resign.

Common collocation in business/politics.

アンケートをとって、意見を聞く。

Take a survey and listen to opinions.

Used for conducting data collection.

筆を執って、手紙を書く。

Take up the pen and write a letter.

Literary use of '執る'.

手段を択ばず、勝利をとる。

Take victory by any means necessary.

Abstract 'taking' of a result.

彼の発言を皮肉ととる。

I take his remark as irony.

Uses 'toru' to mean 'interpret'.

その場での主導権をとる。

Take the initiative in that situation.

Abstract use for control/leadership.

統計学的な手法を採る。

Adopt a statistical method.

Uses '採る' for adopting methods/strategies.

天下を執る。

To rule the country (take the world).

Historical/literary expression for supreme power.

一歩引いて、距離をとる。

Step back and keep your distance.

Used for physical or emotional distance.

新聞を定期的にとっている。

I take (subscribe to) the newspaper regularly.

Used for subscriptions.

脈をとる。

To take a pulse.

Medical collocation.

機嫌をとる。

To try to please someone (take their mood).

Idiom for buttering someone up.

万全の策を執るべきだ。

We should take every possible measure.

Highly formal/administrative use.

命を的にとる。

To risk one's life (take life as a target).

Archaic/literary idiomatic expression.

言質をとる。

To get someone to commit to something in words.

Legal/negotiation term for securing a promise.

その解釈は、文脈からとるべきだ。

That interpretation should be taken from the context.

Academic use for deriving meaning.

相撲で、まわしをとる。

In Sumo, to grab the opponent's belt.

Specific cultural/sporting use.

天下の公道をとる。

To take the righteous path.

Philosophical/metaphorical use.

暇（いとま）を執る。

To take one's leave (formal/archaic).

Highly formal/dated expression for leaving.

虚を執る。

To take advantage of a weakness.

Strategic/literary expression.

Common Collocations

塩をとる

写真をとる

休みをとる

メモをとる

席をとる

連絡をとる

責任をとる

バランスをとる

出前をとる

年をとる

Common Phrases

とっておき (Totteoki)

手に取る (Te ni toru)

聞き取る (Kikitoru)

受け取る (Uketoru)

感じ取る (Kanjitoru)

読み取る (Yomitoru)

乗っ取る (Nottoru)

買い取る (Kaitoru)

引き取る (Hikitoru)

書き取る (Kakitoru)

Often Confused With

とる vs 持つ (motsu)

Motsu means to hold/carry; Toru means to pick up/acquire.

とる vs 貰う (morau)

Morau is receiving a gift; Toru is taking something yourself.

とる vs 受ける (ukeru)

Ukeru is for taking exams/lessons; Toru is for physical objects.

Idioms & Expressions

"揚げ足を取る (Ageashi o toru)"

To trip someone up; to nitpick or find fault in someone's words.

人の揚げ足を取るな。

Informal

"機嫌を取る (Kigen o toru)"

To butter someone up; to try to please someone to improve their mood.

上司の機嫌を取る。

Neutral

"暇を取る (Itoma o toru)"

To take one's leave; to quit a job (formal).

お暇を取らせていただきます。

Formal

"鼻をあかす (Hana o akasu)"

While not using 'toru', it's often confused with 'taking' someone's pride. Actual 'toru' idiom: 'Hana o toru' (to take the lead/beauty).

彼女がその場の花を取った。

Literary

"お里が知れる (Osato ga shireru)"

To 'take' one's background; to reveal one's low upbringing through bad manners.

そんな言葉遣いではお里が知れる。

Slightly Rude

"舵を取る (Kaji o toru)"

To take the helm; to lead a project or organization.

彼がプロジェクトの舵を取る。

Professional

"筆を執る (Fude o toru)"

To take up the pen; to start writing seriously.

作家が再び筆を執った。

Literary

"天下を取る (Tenka o toru)"

To take over the world/country; to reach the top of one's field.

彼は芸能界で天下を取った。

Casual/Media

"マウントを取る (Maunto o toru)"

To act superior; to 'take the mount' (from MMA) in a social hierarchy.

自慢話でマウントを取る。

Slang

"手を取る (Te o toru)"

To take someone's hand; to help someone kindly.

手を取り合って歩く。

Neutral

Easily Confused

とる vs 取る vs 撮る

Same pronunciation.

取る is for general taking; 撮る is specifically for photos/films.

本を取る vs 写真を撮る

とる vs 取る vs 採る

Same pronunciation.

採る is for hiring, collecting samples, or adopting methods.

社員を採る

とる vs 取る vs 捕る

Same pronunciation.

捕る is for catching animals, fish, or insects.

魚を捕る

とる vs 取る vs 録る

Same pronunciation.

録る is specifically for recording audio or video.

音を録る

とる vs 取る vs 執る

Same pronunciation.

執る is for taking office, taking up a pen, or handling affairs.

事務を執る

Sentence Patterns

[Object] をとる。

ペンをとる。

[Object] をとってください。

塩をとってください。

[Activity] をとる。

休みをとる。

[Object] を撮る/録る。

写真を撮る。

[Goal] をとるために [Action]。

免許をとるために勉強する。

[Noun] をとっておく。

席をとっておく。

[Abstract] をとる。

責任をとる。

[Statement] を [Nuance] ととる。

冗談ととる。

Word Family

Nouns

Verbs

How to Use It

frequency

Extremely high; top 100 verbs in Japanese.

Common Mistakes

Using 'toru' for medicine. → Kusuri o nomu.
In Japanese, you 'drink' or 'swallow' medicine, you don't 'take' it like in English.
Using 'toru' for a shower. → Shawaa o abiru.
You 'bathe' in a shower. 'Toru' makes no sense in this context in Japanese.
Using 'toru' for people. → Tomodachi o tsurete iku.
'Toru' implies picking up an object. For people, use 'tsurete iku' (to take someone).
Using 'toru' for exams. → Shiken o ukeru.
You 'receive' or 'undergo' an exam. 'Shiken o toru' would mean physically grabbing the paper.
Confusing 撮る and 取る in writing. → Shashin o toru (撮る).
Always use the 'camera' kanji (撮) for photos to be orthographically correct.

Tips

Particle Usage

Always use the 'o' particle for the object you are taking. 'Pen o toru'.

Kanji Choice

If you are writing about a camera, use 撮る. If you are writing about a recorder, use 録る.

Politeness

Use 'totte kudasai' when asking someone to pass something. It's polite and standard.

Idioms

Learn 'toshi o toru' early; it's a very common way to talk about aging.

Natural Flow

In casual speech, 'totte' can be used alone to mean 'Pass it to me'.

Context Clues

If you hear 'toru' in a restaurant, it likely means passing a condiment or taking an order.

Etiquette

When taking food from a shared plate, use the clean end of your chopsticks if no serving utensils are provided.

The Toll Booth

Remember: You 'Take' (Toru) money to pay the 'Toll'.

Abstract Meanings

Try to use 'toru' for 'interpreting' (e.g., 'dou totta?') to sound more like a native speaker.

Not for People

Never use 'toru' to mean 'taking a person' to a location.

Memorize It

Mnemonic

Imagine a **Toll** booth. To pass, you have to **Take** (Toru) out your wallet and pay.

Visual Association

A hand reaching out to grab a 'Toe' (sounds like 'To'). You 'Take' the 'Toe'.

Word Web

Take Pick up Pass Photo Break Notes Grades Catch

Challenge

Try to find 5 things in your room and say '[Object] o toru' as you pick each one up.

Word Origin

The word 'toru' comes from Old Japanese. It has been a core verb since the earliest recorded Japanese texts (8th century).

Original meaning: To take hold of something with the hands.

Japonic

Cultural Context

Be careful with 'Inochi o toru' (taking a life), as it is very aggressive.

English speakers often use 'take' for medicine or showers, which doesn't work with 'toru'.

The movie 'Shashin o Toru' (Taking Photos). The phrase 'Tenka o Toru' in Samurai dramas. The song 'Totteoki no Everyday'.

Practice in Real Life

Real-World Contexts

At a Restaurant

塩をとってください。
注文をとる。
出前をとる。
席をとる。

Photography

写真を撮る。
ビデオを録る。
自撮りをする（とる）。
撮ってもいいですか？

Work/Office

メモをとる。
休みをとる。
電話をとる。
責任をとる。

School/Study

ノートをとる。
いい点をとる。
資格をとる。
休み時間をとる。

Daily Life

年をとる。
連絡をとる。
タクシーをとる。
バランスをとる。

Conversation Starters

"写真を撮ってもいいですか？ (May I take a photo?)"

"最近、休みをとりましたか？ (Have you taken a holiday recently?)"

"どうやって連絡をとればいいですか？ (How should I get in touch with you?)"

"いい点をとるために、何をしていますか？ (What are you doing to get good grades?)"

"ここで席をとってもいいですか？ (May I take/save a seat here?)"

Journal Prompts

今日、何枚写真を撮りましたか？ (How many photos did you take today?)

最近、いつ休みをとりましたか？何をしましたか？ (When did you last take a break? What did you do?)

将来、どんな資格をとりたいですか？ (What qualifications do you want to get in the future?)

毎日、どうやって栄養をとっていますか？ (How do you take in nutrients every day?)

誰かと連絡をとる時、何を使いますか？ (What do you use when you get in touch with someone?)

Frequently Asked Questions

10 questions

No, you should use 'nomu' (to drink/swallow). 'Kusuri o nomu' is the correct phrase. 'Kusuri o toru' would mean picking up the medicine bottle.

'Toru' is a general 'take'. 'Tsukamu' means to grab or grasp firmly, often with a sense of suddenness or strength.

No, the correct phrase is 'shawaa o abiru' (to bathe in a shower). Using 'toru' is a common mistake for English speakers.

Usually, '取る' (the basic one) or just hiragana 'とる' is used for 'kyuukei o toru'.

Yes, when written as '盗る', it means to steal. However, 'nusumu' is the more common verb for stealing.

You can say 'seki o toru' (to secure/save a seat) or 'suwaru' (to sit). 'Seki o toru' is often used when you are reserving a spot.

No, use 'noru' (to ride). 'Basu ni noru'. 'Basu o toru' would mean you are physically picking up a bus!

It means 'to get older' or 'to age'. Literally, it means 'to take years'.

No, use 'tsurete iku'. 'Toru' is only for inanimate objects or very specific abstract concepts.

The te-form is 'totte' (とって). It is a Group 1 verb, so the 'ru' changes to a small 'tsu' + 'te'.