つれていく in 30 Seconds
- Takes someone somewhere.
- Combines 'to bring/take someone' and 'to go'.
- Used for escorting people, not objects.
- Direction of movement is away from the speaker.
The Japanese verb つれていく (tsurete iku) is a fundamental verb used to express the action of taking someone with you to a particular place. It's a compound verb formed from the verb 連れる (tsureru), meaning 'to bring or take (someone)', and the verb 行く (iku), meaning 'to go'. Therefore, the literal meaning is 'to go while taking someone'.
This verb is incredibly common in everyday Japanese conversation and is used in a wide variety of situations. Whether you are taking a friend to a restaurant, a child to the park, a colleague to a meeting, or a partner to a movie, つれていく is the appropriate verb to use. It implies that the speaker (or the subject of the sentence) is the one initiating the movement and is accompanying the other person.
Consider the nuance: it's not just about the destination, but the act of bringing someone along. For example, if you are going to a party and inviting a friend to join you, you would say you are つれていく them. If you are going to the store yourself, and someone happens to meet you there, that's not つれていく. The key is the active escorting or accompanying of another person.
The politeness level of the verb can be adjusted by conjugating it. The plain form つれていく is used in casual settings among friends and family. For more polite situations, such as speaking to someone older or in a formal setting, you would use the -masu form, つれていきます (tsurete ikimasu), or even more polite forms depending on the context.
Think about your own experiences. When have you taken someone somewhere? Perhaps you took your younger sibling to the library, or you took your pet to the veterinarian. These are all scenarios where つれていく would be the correct verb to describe the action. It's a versatile verb that underpins many social interactions involving movement and companionship.
The opposite action, being taken somewhere, would be expressed using つれてこられる (tsurete korareru) or similar passive/potential forms, but the active taking is captured by つれていく. Understanding this verb is crucial for describing simple journeys and social engagements in Japanese.
It's important to distinguish つれていく from verbs like もっていく (motte iku - to take something) or おくる (okuru - to send someone). つれていく specifically refers to taking a person, not an object, and it implies the speaker's direct involvement in accompanying them. The destination is usually a place the speaker is also going to.
つれていく is a versatile verb that can be used in various sentence structures. The most common pattern involves identifying the person being taken and the destination.
The basic structure is: [Person] を [Place] に つれていく. Here, を (o) marks the person being taken, and に (ni) marks the destination. The subject of the sentence is usually implied to be the one doing the taking.
For example, in the sentence 友達を映画館につれていく (Tomodachi o eigakan ni tsurete iku), '友達' (friend) is the person, '映画館' (movie theater) is the place, and つれていく is the action. The implied subject is 'I' or 'we'.
When expressing intention or desire, you can conjugate the verb. For instance, つれていきたい (tsurete ikitai) means 'want to take (someone somewhere)'. つれていきたいです (tsurete ikitai desu) is the polite version.
To express that you took someone, you use the past tense form, つれていった (tsurete itta) or the polite つれていきました (tsurete ikimashita). For example, 昨日、妹を公園につれていった (Kinō, imōto o kōen ni tsurete itta) means 'Yesterday, I took my sister to the park.'
You can also include the subject explicitly if needed, especially for clarity or emphasis. For example, 私が彼を駅につれていった (Watashi ga kare o eki ni tsurete itta) - 'I took him to the station.' Here, が (ga) marks the subject 'I'.
Consider conditional forms. もし時間があれば、君を美術館につれていくよ (Moshi jikan ga areba, kimi o bijutsukan ni tsurete iku yo) - 'If I have time, I'll take you to the art museum.' The 〜ば (~ba) ending indicates a condition.
The verb can also be used in requests or invitations. A common way to invite someone is to ask if they would like to be taken somewhere: どこかへつれていこうか？ (Dokoka e tsurete ikō ka?) - 'Shall I take you somewhere?' or 'Shall we go somewhere together?' (depending on context).
When the person doing the taking is different from the speaker, you might use the subject marker は (wa) or が (ga) with that subject. For instance, 先生は学生を博物館につれていった (Sensei wa gakusei o hakubutsukan ni tsurete itta) - 'The teacher took the students to the museum.'
Understanding the particles を and に is crucial for correctly constructing sentences with つれていく. The object being taken is marked with を, and the destination is marked with に.
つれていく is a verb you will encounter constantly in everyday Japanese. It's a staple in casual conversations among friends, family members, and colleagues. You'll hear it when people are making plans, recounting past events, or discussing their daily lives.
Imagine a group of friends discussing weekend plans. One might say, 「今週末、新しいカフェに友達をつれていくんだ。」 (Konshūmatsu, atarashii kafe ni tomodachi o tsurete iku n da. In a family setting, a parent might tell their child, 「お父さんが君を動物園につれていってくれるよ。」 (Otōsan ga kimi o dōbutsuen ni tsurete itte kureru yo.〜てくれる (~te kureru) adds a nuance of doing a favor. You'll also hear it in narratives, like when someone is telling a story about a past trip. 「初めて日本に来た時、友達が私を浅草につれていってくれたのを覚えています。」 (Hajimete Nihon ni kita toki, tomodachi ga watashi o Asakusa ni tsurete itte kureta In professional settings, while more formal language might be preferred, the concept is still conveyed. For instance, a manager might say to a new employee, 「明日の会議につれていきますから、準備してください。」 (Ashita no kaigi ni tsurete ikimasu〜ます form. Even in media, such as dramas, anime, or movies, this verb is frequently used to depict characters taking each other to various locations, be it for adventure, romance, or simply to show them around. Pay attention to how native speakers use it in different contexts. You'll notice the subtle variations in politeness and the specific particles used. It's a verb that truly bridges the gap between simply stating a destination and describing the social act of accompanying someone there.
While つれていく is straightforward, learners sometimes make a few common mistakes, often related to confusing it with similar verbs or misusing particles.
One frequent error is confusing つれていく with もっていく (motte iku) or つれてくる (tsurete kuru). つれていく is exclusively for taking people. If you intend to take an object, like a book or a gift, you must use もっていく. Saying 本をつれていく (hon o tsurete iku) would be incorrect and sound like you're trying to take a book as if it were a person.
Another common mix-up is between つれていく (tsurete iku - to take away) and つれてくる (tsurete kuru - to bring here). The direction of movement is key. If you are going somewhere and taking someone with you, you use つれていく. If someone is coming to your location with you, or you are bringing someone to where you are, you use つれてくる. Forgetting this distinction can lead to misunderstandings about the intended direction of travel.
Particle usage is another area where errors occur. Learners might incorrectly use が (ga) instead of を (o) to mark the person being taken. The correct structure is [Person] を [Place] に つれていく. For example, saying 友達が公園につれていく would be incorrect if you mean 'I will take my friend to the park'; it would imply the friend is taking someone (or something) to the park. The subject doing the taking is usually implied unless explicitly stated with は (wa) or が (ga) for emphasis.
Misusing the destination particle に (ni) is also possible. While に is standard for destinations, some learners might accidentally use other particles or omit it entirely. It's important to remember that に marks the goal or destination of the movement.
Finally, some learners might forget to conjugate the verb properly, using the dictionary form つれていく in situations that require a past tense, future tense, or polite form. For example, saying 昨日、彼をつれていく (Kinō, kare o tsurete iku) instead of 昨日、彼をつれていった (Kinō, kare o tsurete itta) is grammatically incorrect for a past event.
While つれていく is the most direct verb for 'to take someone somewhere', Japanese offers other related terms and nuances depending on the context and the speaker's intention.
The most direct counterpart is つれてくる (tsurete kuru), which means 'to bring someone here'. The difference lies solely in the direction of movement. If you are going somewhere and taking someone with you, it's つれていく. If someone is coming to your location with you, or you are bringing them to where you are, it's つれてくる.
Another verb to consider is 連れて行く (tsurete iku) vs. 連れて参る (tsurete mairu). 参る (mairu) is a humble verb for 'to go' or 'to come', used when the speaker is referring to themselves or someone of higher status going somewhere. Therefore, 連れて参る (tsurete mairu) would mean 'to humbly take (someone) [somewhere]' or 'to take (someone) [somewhere] in a humble manner', often used when taking someone to a place of higher status or importance, or when speaking humbly about one's own actions.
For objects, the primary verb is もっていく (motte iku), meaning 'to take (an object)'. For example, 傘をもっていく (kasa o motte iku) - 'to take an umbrella'. It's crucial not to confuse this with taking people.
The verb 案内する (annai suru) means 'to guide' or 'to show someone around'. While it involves taking someone to a place, it emphasizes the act of showing them the sights or providing information. You might 案内する a tourist around a city, but you would つれていく a friend to a concert.
The verb 連れる (tsureru) itself means 'to bring or take (someone)'. つれていく is a combination of 連れる and 行く. Sometimes, 連れる can be used alone, especially in more literary contexts, but つれていく is more common for the direct action of going somewhere with someone.
Finally, consider the nuance of 連れて行く (tsurete iku) versus 連れて参る (tsurete mairu). 連れて参る is a humble form of 連れて行く, used when the speaker is taking someone to a place of higher status or importance, or when speaking humbly about their own actions. For example, a subordinate might say they will 連れて参る their boss to a meeting.
How Formal Is It?
Fun Fact
The kanji for 連 (ren) in 連れる (tsureru) means 'to link', 'to connect', or 'to lead'. This visually reinforces the idea of connecting oneself with another person and leading them somewhere. The verb つれていく embodies this sense of connection and directed movement.
Pronunciation Guide
- Pronouncing the 'tsu' too strongly like 'tsu' in 'tsunami'. It should be softer.
- Adding extra vowel sounds or diphthongs where they don't exist.
- Over-aspirating the 'k' sound at the end.
- Confusing the directionality with つれてくる (tsurete kuru).
Difficulty Rating
The verb <mark class='bg-yellow-200 dark:bg-yellow-800 px-0.5 rounded'>つれていく</mark> itself is relatively easy to understand at a basic level. Difficulty in reading arises from complex sentence structures, advanced vocabulary in surrounding sentences, or nuanced idiomatic uses.
Constructing simple sentences with <mark class='bg-yellow-200 dark:bg-yellow-800 px-0.5 rounded'>つれていく</mark> is straightforward. Challenges appear when trying to convey specific nuances, use appropriate politeness levels, or integrate it into more complex grammatical structures.
Pronunciation is not difficult. The main challenge in speaking is choosing the correct verb based on direction (<mark class='bg-yellow-200 dark:bg-yellow-800 px-0.5 rounded'>つれていく</mark> vs. <span class='font-semibold'>つれてくる</span>) and applying the correct conjugation and politeness level spontaneously.
Recognizing <mark class='bg-yellow-200 dark:bg-yellow-800 px-0.5 rounded'>つれていく</mark> in spoken Japanese is generally easy due to its commonality. Understanding the context and implied meaning requires good listening comprehension of the surrounding conversation.
What to Learn Next
Prerequisites
Learn Next
Advanced
Grammar to Know
Particles 'を' and 'に' with verbs of movement
The particle を marks the person being taken, and に marks the destination. Example: 友達をつれていく -> 友達を公園につれていく (Take a friend to the park).
Verb conjugation: Past Tense
The plain past tense of つれていく is つれていった (tsurete itta). Example: 昨日、彼を映画につれていった (Yesterday, I took him to the movie).
Verb conjugation: Polite Form
The polite form of つれていく is つれていきます (tsurete ikimasu). Example: 明日、お客様を会議につれていきます (Tomorrow, I will take the client to the meeting).
Using 〜たい (want to)
To express the desire to take someone somewhere, add 〜たい to the stem of the verb. Example: 家族を旅行につれていきたい (I want to take my family on a trip).
Using 〜てくれる and 〜てもらう (favors)
When someone else takes you somewhere, use 〜てくれる (if they do it for you) or 〜てもらう (if you receive the favor). Example: 友達が私を駅につれていってくれた (My friend took me to the station for me).
Examples by Level
友達を公園につれていく。
I will take my friend to the park.
Basic sentence structure: [Person] を [Place] に つれていく.
子供を家につれてくる。
I will bring the child home.
Using つれてくる for bringing someone to the speaker's location.
明日、母を駅につれていきます。
Tomorrow, I will take my mother to the station. (Polite)
Polite form: つれていきます.
彼を映画につれていった。
I took him to the movie.
Past tense: つれていった.
どこかへつれていこうか？
Shall I take you somewhere? / Shall we go somewhere together?
Invitation form: 〜うか？
妹を買い物につれていく。
I will take my sister shopping.
Common context: shopping.
先生が生徒を学校につれていく。
The teacher takes the student to school.
Subject is explicit: 先生が.
一人でつれていくのは心配だ。
I'm worried about taking them alone.
Using the verb as a noun with の.
週末、家族を海につれていきたいです。
I want to take my family to the sea on the weekend. (Polite)
Expressing desire: 〜たいです.
彼は私を美味しいレストランにつれていってくれた。
He took me to a delicious restaurant. (Implies a favor)
Using 〜てくれる to indicate a favor received.
新しい友達をパーティーにつれていく予定です。
I plan to take my new friend to the party.
Expressing plans: 〜予定です.
この本、図書館にもっていくつもりだ。
I intend to take this book to the library.
Using もっていく for objects and 〜つもりだ for intention.
子供を一人でつれていくのは危ない。
It is dangerous to take a child alone.
Using the verb as a noun phrase with の.
彼が私を、初めての美術館につれていってくれた。
He took me to an art museum for the first time.
Emphasis on the first time experience.
明日の会議に、田中さんをつれていきます。
I will take Mr./Ms. Tanaka to tomorrow's meeting. (Polite)
Polite form for professional context.
この荷物、部屋にもってきてください。
Please bring this luggage to the room.
Imperative of もってくる (to bring an object).
もし時間があれば、君を東京タワーにつれていきたいと思っている。
If I have time, I am thinking I want to take you to Tokyo Tower.
Conditional sentence with 〜ば and expressing intention with 〜たいと思う.
初めての海外旅行だったので、両親をつれていくのに少し緊張した。
Since it was my first trip abroad, I was a little nervous about taking my parents.
Using the verb as a noun phrase with の and expressing emotion.
彼はいつも、新しい場所を見つけると、彼女をつれていく。
Whenever he finds a new place, he always takes her there.
Using 〜と for a habitual action.
このプロジェクトのために、チームメンバーを本社につれていく必要がある。
It is necessary to take the team members to the head office for this project.
Expressing necessity: 〜必要がある.
彼女は、困っている人をつれていくのにためらわない。
She does not hesitate to take people who are in trouble (somewhere safe).
Expressing lack of hesitation: 〜ない.
子供の頃、祖母はよく私を近所の神社につれていってくれた。
When I was a child, my grandmother often took me to the local shrine.
Recounting a childhood memory.
その絵をもっていくには、特別な許可が必要だ。
Special permission is required to take that painting.
Using もっていく for valuable objects and expressing requirement.
明日は、新しいクライアントをこのレストランにつれていきますので、予約をお願いします。
Tomorrow, I will take the new client to this restaurant, so please make a reservation.
Polite request in a business context.
彼は、未知の領域を探求するために、常に仲間をつれていく覚悟ができている。
He is always prepared to take his companions into unknown territories for exploration.
Expressing preparedness and purpose.
この地域は治安があまり良くないので、子供を一人でつれていくのは避けるべきだ。
Since the safety in this area is not very good, one should avoid taking children alone.
Expressing advisability/obligation: 〜べきだ.
彼女は、自分の経験を共有するために、若者たちをボランティア活動につれていくことをライフワークとしている。
She makes it her life's work to take young people to volunteer activities to share her experiences.
Describing a life's work or mission.
その貴重な芸術品をもっていくことは、厳しく制限されており、特別な許可証がなければ不可能だ。
Taking that valuable artwork is strictly restricted and impossible without a special permit.
Using 〜こと as a noun phrase and expressing impossibility.
私たちは、彼がつれていくと言っていた場所へ、期待を胸につれていかれた。
We were taken to the place he said he would take us, with anticipation.
Passive voice: 〜ていかれた (were taken).
その歴史的な建造物を案内する際には、その背景にある物語を語ることが重要だ。
When guiding visitors through that historical building, it is important to tell the stories behind it.
Using 〜際には for 'when' or 'upon doing something'.
彼は、新しいプロジェクトの成功のために、チームをより大きな市場へとつれていくビジョンを持っている。
He has a vision to take the team to a larger market for the success of the new project.
Expressing a vision or goal.
この古文書は、専門家でなければもっていくことは許されない。
Only experts are permitted to take this ancient document.
Expressing permission/prohibition: 〜ない.
その指導者は、信奉者たちを精神的な高みへとつれていくカリスマ性を持っていた。
The leader possessed a charisma that took his followers to spiritual heights.
Figurative use of 'taking' to a higher state.
文化交流の促進という名目のもと、多くの若者が海外へとつれていかれたが、その実態は労働搾取であった。
Under the guise of promoting cultural exchange, many young people were taken abroad, but in reality, it was labor exploitation.
Using passive voice and critical commentary.
彼は、自身の哲学を広めるために、熱心な支持者を、しばしば人里離れた場所へとつれていくことがあった。
He would often take his ardent supporters to secluded places to spread his philosophy.
Describing habitual or occasional actions with 〜ことがあった.
この芸術作品は、その歴史的価値ゆえに、許可なくもっていくことは厳禁されている。
Due to its historical value, it is strictly forbidden to take this artwork without permission.
Using 〜ゆえに for 'because of' and expressing strict prohibition.
その画家は、自身の創造の源泉へと、鑑賞者をつれていくような作品を描いた。
The painter created works that seemed to take the viewers to the source of his creativity.
Figurative use of taking viewers to a conceptual space.
彼は、かつて自分がつれていかれた場所を、今度は自分がつれていく側になった。
He, who was once taken to a place, now became the one taking others there.
Contrast between being taken and taking others.
この古代の遺物をもっていくことは、文化財保護の観点から論外である。
Taking this ancient artifact is out of the question from the perspective of cultural property protection.
Using 〜観点から for 'from the perspective of' and expressing impossibility.
彼は、その難解な理論の核心へと、聴衆を巧みにつれていく話術を持っていた。
He possessed oratory skills that skillfully led his audience to the core of that complex theory.
Figurative use of taking listeners to an abstract concept.
その哲学者自身も、自らの思索の迷宮につれていかれるように、その議論を展開した。
The philosopher developed his argument as if he himself were being taken into the labyrinth of his own contemplation.
Figurative use of passive voice to describe internal mental processes.
彼は、自らの芸術的ビジョンを実現するために、支援者たちを、しばしば非現実的とも思えるような領域へとつれていくことを厭わなかった。
He did not shy away from taking his patrons into realms that often seemed unrealistic to realize his artistic vision.
Expressing willingness to take risks for artistic vision.
その宗教指導者は、信徒を救済へとつれていくと説き、多くの人々を惹きつけた。
The religious leader preached that he would lead the believers to salvation, attracting many people.
Expressing a promise of salvation.
この博物館の至宝である彫刻をもっていくことは、国際的な条約によって固く禁じられている。
Taking the sculpture, which is the treasure of this museum, is strictly prohibited by international treaties.
Referencing international law and prohibition.
彼は、自らがつれていかれた経験から、今度は自分が人々をより良い未来へとつれていく使命を感じていた。
From the experience of being taken somewhere himself, he now felt a mission to take people towards a better future.
Reflecting on past experiences to motivate future actions.
その作家は、読者を、現実からかけ離れた幻想の世界へと巧みにつれていく筆致を持っていた。
The author had a writing style that skillfully took readers to a world of fantasy far removed from reality.
Figurative use of taking readers into a literary world.
この古代の遺物をもっていくことは、学術的な研究目的であっても、極めて慎重な手続きを要する。
Taking this ancient artifact, even for academic research purposes, requires extremely cautious procedures.
Emphasizing procedural caution for research.
彼は、聴衆を、自らの内面的な葛藤の深淵へとつれていくような、極めて個人的な語り口で講演を行った。
He delivered his lecture in an intensely personal tone, as if taking the audience into the abyss of his own inner conflict.
Describing a deeply personal and introspective presentation.
Common Collocations
Common Phrases
— To take a friend somewhere.
週末、友達を映画につれていく約束をした。
— To take a child somewhere.
子供を公園につれていくのは楽しい。
— To take him/her somewhere.
彼を初めての日本食レストランにつれていく。
— To take someone somewhere (destination unspecified).
「どこかへつれていこうか？」と彼は提案した。
— To take someone to [place].
母を病院につれていく必要があった。
— Thank you for taking me.
昨日、美味しいお店につれていってくれてありがとう。
— There's a place I want to take you.
あなたをつれていきたい場所があるんだ。
— To take someone far away.
彼は家族をつれていくために、長旅に出た。
— To take someone to a secret place.
彼は彼女を、誰も知らない秘密の場所につれていった。
— To take someone along; to take someone with you.
このイベントには、家族をつれていくことができる。
Often Confused With
This is the most common confusion. つれていく is for taking someone away from the speaker's current location, while つれてくる is for bringing someone to the speaker's current location.
つれていく is exclusively for taking people. もっていく is used for taking objects.
行く means 'to go' (by oneself or generally). つれていく specifically includes the action of taking another person along.
Idioms & Expressions
— This idiom is less common and more figurative, implying leading someone into trouble or a bad situation, often through deception or bad influence. It's not the primary meaning of the verb but can be inferred contextually.
彼は、甘い言葉で若者を悪の道につれていった。
Figurative/Negative— This can imply taking someone somewhere exciting or romantic, often as a surprise, to escape the ordinary. It suggests a spontaneous or delightful journey.
サプライズで、彼女を海辺の町へつれていった。
Romantic/Figurative— This is not a standard idiom. The literal translation would be 'to take someone's shoulder', which is nonsensical. It's important to stick to the established meanings of つれていく.
This phrase is not a recognized idiom.
N/A— While not directly using つれていく, this idiom means 'to take someone along with you (often to a dangerous or unfortunate fate)'. It carries a sense of shared doom or going together into a difficult situation.
彼は、自分だけでは行けないので、友人を道連れにした。
Figurative/Negative— The general concept of 'taking someone' can be applied broadly. For instance, in a story, a character might つれていく another character to a significant place that changes their life.
その旅は、彼を人生の新たな段階へとつれていった。
Figurative/Narrative— This means 'to live together' or 'to accompany someone through life', typically used for married couples. It implies a long-term companionship rather than a specific journey.
夫婦は、人生を共に連れ添うことを誓った。
Marital/Long-term— This means 'to guide' or 'to lead (someone) by the hand'. It's similar to 案内する but can imply more direct physical guidance.
経験豊富なガイドが、初心者たちを安全なルートへと手引きした。
Guidance/Instruction— This means 'to lure someone out' or 'to invite someone out'. It focuses on the invitation or coaxing aspect to get someone to leave their current location.
友人は、私を家から誘い出して、一緒に映画を見に行った。
Invitation/Persuasion— This means 'to go together' or 'to set out with someone'. It emphasizes the group action of going somewhere.
二人は連れ立って、新しい冒険に出かけた。
Group Action— In a broader sense, つれていく can be used metaphorically to describe how experiences or situations lead a person in a certain direction.
その経験は、彼を予期せぬ道へとつれていった。
MetaphoricalEasily Confused
Both verbs involve taking someone and movement.
<mark class='bg-yellow-200 dark:bg-yellow-800 px-0.5 rounded'>つれていく</mark> implies movement away from the speaker's current location (taking someone *to* somewhere else). <span class='font-semibold'>つれてくる</span> implies movement towards the speaker's current location (bringing someone *here*).
友達を映画に<mark class='bg-yellow-200 dark:bg-yellow-800 px-0.5 rounded'>つれていく</mark> (Take a friend to the movie). 友達を家（うち）に<span class='font-semibold'>つれてくる</span> (Bring a friend home).
Both involve taking something and movement.
<mark class='bg-yellow-200 dark:bg-yellow-800 px-0.5 rounded'>つれていく</mark> is strictly for taking people. <span class='font-semibold'>もっていく</span> is for taking objects. You cannot 'tsurete iku' a book.
本を<mark class='bg-yellow-200 dark:bg-yellow-800 px-0.5 rounded'>もっていく</mark> (Take a book). 子供を公園に<mark class='bg-yellow-200 dark:bg-yellow-800 px-0.5 rounded'>つれていく</mark> (Take a child to the park).
<mark class='bg-yellow-200 dark:bg-yellow-800 px-0.5 rounded'>つれていく</mark> is derived from <span class='font-semibold'>連れる</span>.
<span class='font-semibold'>連れる</span> is the base verb meaning 'to bring or take someone'. <mark class='bg-yellow-200 dark:bg-yellow-800 px-0.5 rounded'>つれていく</mark> is a compound verb that specifically adds the direction of 'going'. <span class='font-semibold'>連れる</span> can sometimes be used alone, but <mark class='bg-yellow-200 dark:bg-yellow-800 px-0.5 rounded'>つれていく</mark> is more common for the direct action of going somewhere with someone.
彼は犬を<span class='font-semibold'>連れた</span> (He took his dog along). 彼は犬を公園に<mark class='bg-yellow-200 dark:bg-yellow-800 px-0.5 rounded'>つれていった</mark> (He took his dog to the park).
Both involve taking someone to a place.
<mark class='bg-yellow-200 dark:bg-yellow-800 px-0.5 rounded'>つれていく</mark> simply means to take someone somewhere. <span class='font-semibold'>案内する</span> means 'to guide' or 'to show around', implying a more informative or explanatory role in the process.
友達を映画に<mark class='bg-yellow-200 dark:bg-yellow-800 px-0.5 rounded'>つれていく</mark> (Take a friend to the movie). 観光客を街に<span class='font-semibold'>案内する</span> (Guide tourists around the city).
Both involve going together with someone.
<span class='font-semibold'>同行する</span> means 'to accompany' or 'to go together', often used in formal contexts or when emphasizing that the subject is going along with someone else. <mark class='bg-yellow-200 dark:bg-yellow-800 px-0.5 rounded'>つれていく</mark> implies one person is actively taking another.
社長に<mark class='bg-yellow-200 dark:bg-yellow-800 px-0.5 rounded'>つれていかれる</mark> (To be taken by the president - passive). 社長に<span class='font-semibold'>同行する</span> (To accompany the president).
Sentence Patterns
[Person] を [Place] に つれていく。
友達を公園に<mark class='bg-yellow-200 dark:bg-yellow-800 px-0.5 rounded'>つれていく</mark>。
[Person] を [Place] に つれていった。
妹を映画に<mark class='bg-yellow-200 dark:bg-yellow-800 px-0.5 rounded'>つれていった</mark>。
[Person] を [Place] に つれていきたいです。
家族を海に<mark class='bg-yellow-200 dark:bg-yellow-800 px-0.5 rounded'>つれていきたいです</mark>。
[Subject] が [Person] を [Place] に つれていってくれた。
彼が私を駅に<mark class='bg-yellow-200 dark:bg-yellow-800 px-0.5 rounded'>つれていってくれた</mark>。
[Person] を [Place] に つれていく + 〜予定です。
友達を美術館に<mark class='bg-yellow-200 dark:bg-yellow-800 px-0.5 rounded'>つれていく</mark>予定です。
もし [Condition] なら、[Person] を [Place] に つれていく。
もし時間があれば、君を山に<mark class='bg-yellow-200 dark:bg-yellow-800 px-0.5 rounded'>つれていく</mark>よ。
[Person] を [Place] に つれていく + 〜必要がある。
新しいメンバーを会議に<mark class='bg-yellow-200 dark:bg-yellow-800 px-0.5 rounded'>つれていく</mark>必要がある。
〜という名目で [Person] を [Place] に つれていく。
文化交流という名目で、若者を海外に<mark class='bg-yellow-200 dark:bg-yellow-800 px-0.5 rounded'>つれていった</mark>。
Word Family
Verbs
Related
How to Use It
Very High
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Using <mark class='bg-yellow-200 dark:bg-yellow-800 px-0.5 rounded'>つれていく</mark> for objects.
→
Using <span class='font-semibold'>もっていく</span> (motte iku) for objects.
<mark class='bg-yellow-200 dark:bg-yellow-800 px-0.5 rounded'>つれていく</mark> is exclusively for people or animate beings. Example: Correct: 本を<span class='font-semibold'>もっていく</span> (Take a book). Incorrect: 本を<mark class='bg-yellow-200 dark:bg-yellow-800 px-0.5 rounded'>つれていく</mark>.
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Confusing direction: <mark class='bg-yellow-200 dark:bg-yellow-800 px-0.5 rounded'>つれていく</mark> instead of <span class='font-semibold'>つれてくる</span>.
→
Using <mark class='bg-yellow-200 dark:bg-yellow-800 px-0.5 rounded'>つれていく</mark> for taking someone away from the speaker, and <span class='font-semibold'>つれてくる</span> for bringing someone to the speaker.
Example: Taking a friend to the park is <mark class='bg-yellow-200 dark:bg-yellow-800 px-0.5 rounded'>つれていく</mark>. Bringing a friend home is <span class='font-semibold'>つれてくる</span>.
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Incorrect particle usage: Using <span class='font-semibold'>が</span> instead of <span class='font-semibold'>を</span> for the person being taken.
→
Use <span class='font-semibold'>を</span> to mark the person being taken. Example: 友達<mark class='bg-yellow-200 dark:bg-yellow-800 px-0.5 rounded'>を</mark>公園に<mark class='bg-yellow-200 dark:bg-yellow-800 px-0.5 rounded'>つれていく</mark>.
The particle <span class='font-semibold'>を</span> marks the direct object of the verb, which in this case is the person being taken. Using <span class='font-semibold'>が</span> would incorrectly imply the person is the subject.
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Incorrect verb conjugation: Using the dictionary form in the past tense.
→
Use the past tense form <span class='font-semibold'>つれていった</span> (tsurete itta) or <span class='font-semibold'>つれていきました</span> (tsurete ikimashita) for past actions.
Example: Incorrect: 昨日、彼を映画に<mark class='bg-yellow-200 dark:bg-yellow-800 px-0.5 rounded'>つれていく</mark>. Correct: 昨日、彼を映画に<mark class='bg-yellow-200 dark:bg-yellow-800 px-0.5 rounded'>つれていった</mark>.
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Using <mark class='bg-yellow-200 dark:bg-yellow-800 px-0.5 rounded'>つれていく</mark> when <span class='font-semibold'>案内する</span> (annai suru) is more appropriate.
→
Use <mark class='bg-yellow-200 dark:bg-yellow-800 px-0.5 rounded'>つれていく</mark> for general taking, and <span class='font-semibold'>案内する</span> for guiding or showing someone around.
Example: Taking a friend to a concert is <mark class='bg-yellow-200 dark:bg-yellow-800 px-0.5 rounded'>つれていく</mark>. Showing a tourist around a city is <span class='font-semibold'>案内する</span>.
Tips
Direction is Key
Always remember the direction of movement. つれていく is for taking someone *away* from your current location, while つれてくる is for bringing someone *to* your current location. This is the most crucial distinction.
Particles Matter
The particles を (o) and に (ni) are vital. を marks the person being taken, and に marks the destination. Get these right for clear communication.
Visual Association
Imagine a person holding hands with their companion and walking together towards a destination. This visual helps remember the core meaning of つれていく – escorting someone on a journey.
Politeness Levels
The verb つれていく can be conjugated to show different politeness levels. Use つれていきます in polite situations and お連れいたします in very formal or humble contexts.
Distinguish from Objects
Never use つれていく for objects. Always use もっていく (motte iku) for taking things.
Role-Playing
Practice using つれていく in different scenarios: taking a friend to a concert, taking a child to the park, taking a colleague to a meeting. This active practice solidifies understanding.
Even Stress
Japanese words generally have even stress. Focus on pronouncing each mora (syllable-like unit) clearly and distinctly, rather than stressing one syllable over others.
Sense of Responsibility
Understand that in Japanese culture, つれていく can imply a sense of care and responsibility for the person being taken.
Figurative Use
Be aware that つれていく can sometimes be used metaphorically to describe leading someone into a particular state or situation, though this is less common than the literal meaning.
Regular Review
Revisit the difference between つれていく and つれてくる regularly, as this is a common point of confusion for learners.
Memorize It
Mnemonic
Imagine you are a tour guide, and you are tsu-re-te i-ku (tsurete iku) your guests. Think of 'tsu-re' sounding like 'sure', as in 'I'm sure I can take you there!' And 'i-ku' sounds like 'eek!', the excited sound you make when going somewhere fun.
Visual Association
Picture a person holding hands with another person (their 'tsure' or companion) and walking towards a destination, perhaps a scenic spot. The act of walking together towards a goal is the essence of つれていく.
Word Web
Challenge
Try to describe three different scenarios where you would use つれていく. For each scenario, write a simple sentence using the verb in the past tense.
Word Origin
The verb つれていく (tsurete iku) is a compound verb formed by combining the verb 連れる (tsureru), meaning 'to bring or take (someone)', with the verb 行く (iku), meaning 'to go'. This combination directly conveys the idea of 'going while taking someone along'.
Original meaning: The core meaning stems from 連れる (tsureru), which itself has roots related to the idea of being connected or accompanying. 行く (iku) is a fundamental verb for movement.
JaponicCultural Context
The verb itself is neutral. However, the context in which つれていく is used can convey sensitivity. For example, taking someone to a hospital implies concern for their health, while taking someone on a surprise date implies romantic affection. The implied responsibility and care associated with つれていく are important cultural nuances.
In English, we have many verbs for this action: 'to take', 'to bring', 'to escort', 'to accompany', 'to lead'. つれていく is the most direct Japanese equivalent for 'to take someone somewhere' when the speaker is the one moving away from the current location.
Practice in Real Life
Real-World Contexts
Making plans with friends.
- 週末、友達を映画に<mark class='bg-yellow-200 dark:bg-yellow-800 px-0.5 rounded'>つれていく</mark>。
- どこかへ<mark class='bg-yellow-200 dark:bg-yellow-800 px-0.5 rounded'>つれていこう</mark>か？
- 新しいカフェに<mark class='bg-yellow-200 dark:bg-yellow-800 px-0.5 rounded'>つれていきたい</mark>んだ。
Family outings.
- 子供を公園に<mark class='bg-yellow-200 dark:bg-yellow-800 px-0.5 rounded'>つれていく</mark>。
- 家族を海に<mark class='bg-yellow-200 dark:bg-yellow-800 px-0.5 rounded'>つれていきたい</mark>。
- 母を病院に<mark class='bg-yellow-200 dark:bg-yellow-800 px-0.5 rounded'>つれていく</mark>必要があった。
Romantic situations.
- 彼を初めてのデートに<mark class='bg-yellow-200 dark:bg-yellow-800 px-0.5 rounded'>つれていった</mark>。
- 彼女を夜景の見えるレストランに<mark class='bg-yellow-200 dark:bg-yellow-800 px-0.5 rounded'>つれていきたい</mark>。
- サプライズで、どこかへ<mark class='bg-yellow-200 dark:bg-yellow-800 px-0.5 rounded'>つれていく</mark>。
Business and professional settings.
- お客様を会議室に<mark class='bg-yellow-200 dark:bg-yellow-800 px-0.5 rounded'>お連れします</mark>。
- 新しいクライアントをオフィスに<mark class='bg-yellow-200 dark:bg-yellow-800 px-0.5 rounded'>つれていきます</mark>。
- チームメンバーを本社に<mark class='bg-yellow-200 dark:bg-yellow-800 px-0.5 rounded'>つれていく</mark>必要がある。
Describing past events.
- 昨日、友達を駅に<mark class='bg-yellow-200 dark:bg-yellow-800 px-0.5 rounded'>つれていった</mark>。
- 子供の頃、祖母が私を神社に<mark class='bg-yellow-200 dark:bg-yellow-800 px-0.5 rounded'>つれていってくれた</mark>。
- 彼が私を初めての海外旅行に<mark class='bg-yellow-200 dark:bg-yellow-800 px-0.5 rounded'>つれていってくれた</mark>。
Conversation Starters
"週末、誰かをどこかにつれていくつもりですか？"
"最近、誰かをつれていって感動した場所はありますか？"
"もし魔法が使えたら、誰をどこにつれていきたいですか？"
"子供の頃、親にどこかへつれていってもらって嬉しかった思い出はありますか？"
"友達を初めて日本につれていくとしたら、どこへ連れて行きますか？"
Journal Prompts
Describe a time you took someone somewhere special and how it felt. Use <mark class='bg-yellow-200 dark:bg-yellow-800 px-0.5 rounded'>つれていく</mark> in your description.
Imagine you are planning a surprise trip for a loved one. Write about where you want to <mark class='bg-yellow-200 dark:bg-yellow-800 px-0.5 rounded'>つれていく</mark> them and why.
Reflect on a time someone <mark class='bg-yellow-200 dark:bg-yellow-800 px-0.5 rounded'>つれていってくれた</mark> (took you somewhere) and how that experience impacted you.
Write about a place you would like to <mark class='bg-yellow-200 dark:bg-yellow-800 px-0.5 rounded'>つれていく</mark> (take) someone you care about, and explain the significance of that place.
Consider the responsibility involved when you <mark class='bg-yellow-200 dark:bg-yellow-800 px-0.5 rounded'>つれていく</mark> someone. Write a short paragraph about what that responsibility entails.
Frequently Asked Questions
10 questionsThe key difference is the direction of movement relative to the speaker. つれていく means to take someone away from the speaker's current location (e.g., 'I will take my friend to the park'). つれてくる means to bring someone to the speaker's current location (e.g., 'Please bring your friend home').
No, つれていく is exclusively used for taking people or animate beings. For objects, you must use もっていく (motte iku).
The polite form is つれていきます (tsurete ikimasu). For more formal situations, especially when taking someone of higher status or speaking humbly, you might use お連れいたします (o-tsure itashimasu).
You can use the 〜たい (~tai) form. For example, 友達を映画につれていきたい (I want to take my friend to the movie). In polite speech, it becomes つれていきたいです.
The person being taken is usually marked with the particle を (o), and the destination is marked with the particle に (ni). Example: 家族をつれていく -> 家族をつれていく -> 家族を海につれていく (Take family to the sea).
No, つれていく is the hiragana spelling, and 連れて行く is the kanji spelling. Both refer to the same verb and meaning. The choice often depends on the context and desired emphasis.
Yes, it can be used for pets, as they are often treated as companions. For example, 犬を公園につれていく (Take the dog to the park). However, 連れる can also be used more generally for animals.
This phrase means 'It's difficult to take someone alone'. It implies that taking the person requires significant effort, perhaps due to their age, behavior, or the circumstances of the journey.
You can say つれていってくれてありがとう (tsurete itte kurete arigatou) or 連れて行ってくださってありがとうございます (tsurete itte kudasatte arigatou gozaimasu) for a more polite version.
Yes, in some contexts, it can be used metaphorically, implying leading someone into a certain state or situation, often a figurative 'place'. For example, 'That experience つれていった me to a new understanding.' However, this is less common than its literal meaning.
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Summary
The verb <mark class='bg-yellow-200 dark:bg-yellow-800 px-0.5 rounded'>つれていく</mark> (tsurete iku) is essential for describing the act of taking a person with you to a destination, emphasizing the action of accompanying them as you go.
- Takes someone somewhere.
- Combines 'to bring/take someone' and 'to go'.
- Used for escorting people, not objects.
- Direction of movement is away from the speaker.
Direction is Key
Always remember the direction of movement. つれていく is for taking someone *away* from your current location, while つれてくる is for bringing someone *to* your current location. This is the most crucial distinction.
Particles Matter
The particles を (o) and に (ni) are vital. を marks the person being taken, and に marks the destination. Get these right for clear communication.
Visual Association
Imagine a person holding hands with their companion and walking together towards a destination. This visual helps remember the core meaning of つれていく – escorting someone on a journey.
Politeness Levels
The verb つれていく can be conjugated to show different politeness levels. Use つれていきます in polite situations and お連れいたします in very formal or humble contexts.
Related Content
This Word in Other Languages
More general words
いくつか
B1An unspecified small number of things; some, a few.
ちょっと
A2A little; a moment; a bit. Small amount or short time.
すこし
A2A little; a few.
さっき
A2A little while ago; a short time past.
能力
A1Nouryoku refers to the mental or physical power, skill, or capacity required to perform a specific task or function. It can describe both innate talent and skills acquired through learning and practice.
異常
A1A word used to describe something that deviates from the normal state, standard, or expected pattern. It often implies a problem, malfunction, or an extraordinary occurrence that requires attention or investigation.
～について
A2About, concerning; indicates topic.
〜について
B1About, concerning; on the subject of.
～ぐらい
A2about, approximately
ぐらい
A2About; approximately; to the extent of.
