取ります

The Japanese verb 取ります (torimasu) is one of the most versatile and essential words in the Japanese language. At its most fundamental level, it describes the physical act of reaching out and grasping an object to bring it into one's possession or control. However, as you progress in your Japanese studies, you will find that its utility extends far beyond simple physical grabbing. It encompasses concepts ranging from receiving a grade, taking a seat, making a reservation, to even removing something that shouldn't be there. Understanding the nuance of torimasu requires looking at the intent behind the action: it is often a deliberate choice to select or acquire something specific from a larger set of possibilities.

Basic Physical Action

This is the primary usage where someone picks up an object. For example, picking up a pen from a table or taking a book from a shelf. It implies a direct interaction between the hand and the object.

In a social context, torimasu is frequently used when asking someone to pass an item. In Japanese culture, the act of 'passing' is linguistically framed as 'taking' on behalf of the requester or the requester 'taking' it from the other's reach. This subtle shift in perspective is crucial for sounding natural. Furthermore, the word is used for abstract acquisition. When you 'take' a holiday or 'take' a break, you are essentially 'acquiring' time for yourself. This reflects a mindset where time and opportunities are tangible assets that one can grasp and hold.

Acquisition of Status or Results

Used when obtaining grades (tensuu o toru), licenses (menkyo o toru), or positions. It suggests that the result was earned or specifically claimed by the actor.

Another layer of meaning involves 'removal'. If you take a stain out of a shirt or take the lid off a jar, you use torimasu. This 'taking away' aspect is just as common as 'taking in'. In professional settings, you will hear it regarding reservations. To 'take' a reservation (yoyaku o toru) means to secure a spot. It is an active process of securing a commitment. Because it is a transitive verb, it always requires an object marked by the particle 'o' (を).

The Kanji Connection

The kanji 取 consists of the 'ear' radical on the left and a 'hand' radical on the right. Historically, this referred to the practice of taking the ears of defeated enemies as trophies, symbolizing the ultimate form of 'taking' or 'capturing'.

In summary, torimasu is the go-to verb for any action involving the acquisition, selection, or removal of an object or concept. Its polite form is essential for daily interactions, whether you are asking for the salt or discussing your career achievements.

Using 取ります (torimasu) correctly involves understanding its grammatical structure as a transitive verb. In Japanese, transitive verbs describe an action performed by a subject upon a direct object. This object must be followed by the particle を (o). The basic sentence pattern is: [Subject] は [Object] を 取ります. Because Japanese often omits the subject when it is clear from context, you will frequently see just [Object] を 取ります.

Physical Interaction

When picking up something. Example: 'Pen o torimasu' (I will take the pen). This is the most straightforward usage taught at the A1/A2 levels.

One of the most common variations is the ~te kudasai form, used for requests. 'Totte kudasai' is a polite way to ask someone to pass you something. Note the small 'tsu' (っ) in the 'te' form: 取って (totte). This is because toru is a Group 1 (U-verb) ending in 'ru'. If you want to express the ability to take something, you use the potential form 取れます (toremasu). This is often used when discussing whether a stain can be removed or if a seat is available to be taken.

Taking Time and Breaks

In Japanese, 'taking a break' is 'kyuukei o toru' and 'taking a holiday' is 'yasumi o toru'. This uses the verb to indicate the acquisition of a period of rest.

The verb also functions in complex sentences involving purpose. For example, 'Kao o arau tame ni taoru o torimasu' (I will take a towel to wash my face). Here, torimasu acts as the concluding action. It can also be paired with auxiliary verbs. 'Totte oku' means to take something and keep it for later use (like saving a seat or setting aside food). This combination is extremely common in daily life and business.

Abstract Concepts

When you 'take a message' (dengon o toru) or 'take an age' (toshi o toru - literally 'take years', meaning to grow older), the verb moves into the realm of idiomatic expressions.

Lastly, consider the negative form 取りません (torimasen). This is used when declining to take something or stating that a certain result was not achieved. For instance, 'Kore wa torimasen' could mean 'I won't take this' or 'I am not removing this'. The versatility of torimasu across different grammatical forms makes it a powerful tool for any Japanese speaker.

You will encounter 取ります (torimasu) in almost every corner of Japanese life, from the quietest library to the busiest office. Because it covers both physical actions and abstract concepts, its frequency is incredibly high. In a domestic setting, family members use it constantly at the dinner table. 'Shoyu totte' (Pass the soy sauce) is a standard phrase, though in polite company, you would hear the full torimasu or totte kudasai.

At Restaurants and Cafes

Waitstaff might ask if they can 'take' your order or your plate. 'Osara o o-tori shimasu' (I will take/remove the plates) is a humble way of saying they are clearing the table.

In a business environment, torimasu is used for scheduling and communication. You will hear 'Renraku o torimasu' (I will get in touch/take contact) or 'Yoyaku o torimasu' (I will make a reservation). When a secretary takes a message for a boss who is away, they use 'Dengon o o-tori shimasu'. It reflects a professional taking ownership of a task or a piece of information. On the phone, if someone asks you to wait while they 'take' another call, they might say 'Denwa o torimasu'.

In Education and Academics

Students hear this word regarding their grades and credits. 'Tan-i o toru' means to earn credits for a course. Teachers will tell students to 'take' their textbooks out of their bags (hon o dashite... or hon o totte).

Public announcements also use this verb. On trains, you might hear announcements about 'taking' care of your belongings or 'taking' a seat. At the doctor's office, a nurse might say 'Ketsueki o torimasu' (We will take/draw blood). In sports, it's used for scoring points (ten o toru). The sheer breadth of these contexts means that as a learner, you cannot avoid this word—it is the glue that connects many different situational interactions.

Daily Errands and Shopping

When shopping, you 'take' a basket (kago o toru). When you go to the dry cleaners, you 'take' (pick up) your clothes. When you go to the post office to pick up a package, you use the same verb.

Finally, in the digital age, 'torimasu' is used for downloading or 'taking' data. While 'daunroodo' is common, 'deeta o toru' is also used. It implies the act of retrieving information from a server. Whether physical or digital, the essence remains the same: moving something from 'there' to 'here'.

One of the biggest challenges for English speakers learning 取ります (torimasu) is the 'homophone trap'. Japanese has several verbs that are pronounced exactly the same ('toru') but are written with different kanji and have distinct meanings. Using the wrong kanji or confusing the contexts is a very common error. For example, 撮る is used specifically for taking photos or filming, while 録る is used for recording audio or video. If you write 'shashin o torimasu' using the kanji 取, a Japanese person will understand, but it is technically a spelling error.

Taking Transportation

In English, we say 'take a bus' or 'take a train'. In Japanese, you cannot use 'torimasu' for this. You must use 乗ります (norimasu), which means 'to ride' or 'to board'. Saying 'basu o torimasu' sounds like you are physically picking up a bus with giant hands.

Another common mistake involves 'taking' medicine. In English, we 'take' a pill. In Japanese, you use the verb 飲みます (nomimasu), which literally means 'to drink', even for solid pills. Using 'torimasu' for medicine is unnatural and suggests you are just holding the medicine in your hand rather than consuming it. Similarly, 'taking a shower' is not 'shawaa o torimasu' but rather 浴びます (abimasu) or 使います (tsukaimasu).

Confusion with 'Morau' (To Receive)

Sometimes learners use 'torimasu' when they should use 'moraimasu'. 'Torimasu' implies an active taking, whereas 'moraimasu' implies receiving something from someone else's kindness. If a friend gives you a gift, you 'receive' it; you don't 'take' it.

Lastly, learners often struggle with the particle. Remember that torimasu is transitive. Using the particle 'ga' instead of 'o' changes the meaning to 'something is taken' or 'something comes off' (intransitive), which uses a different form of the verb (toreru). Always double-check your particles to ensure the direction of the action is clear. Avoid over-using 'torimasu' as a catch-all for every English meaning of 'take'—Japanese is much more specific about the way something is taken.

Taking a Class

While 'tan-i o toru' (taking credits) is correct, 'taking a class' is more naturally expressed as 'jugyou o ukeru' (receiving/undergoing a class). 'Torimasu' can be used for 'registering' for a class, but 'ukeru' is better for the act of attending.

While 取ります (torimasu) is a versatile 'utility' verb, Japanese offers many specialized alternatives that provide more precision. Choosing the right word can make your Japanese sound much more sophisticated and natural. Below is a comparison of words often confused with torimasu.

掴む (Tsukamu) vs. 取る (Toru)

Tsukamu means to 'grab' or 'seize' with force. While toru is a neutral 'take', tsukamu implies a firmer grip, like grabbing someone's arm or seizing an opportunity (chansu o tsukamu).

拾う (Hirou) vs. 取る (Toru)

Hirou specifically means to 'pick up' something that has been dropped or is on the ground. You 'hirou' a coin on the street, but you 'toru' a book from a shelf.

Another important distinction is 受ける (Ukeru). This means to 'receive' or 'undergo'. It is used for things that are directed towards you, like an exam (shiken o ukeru) or an interview (mensetsu o ukeru). While you 'take' an exam in English, in Japanese, you 'receive' the challenge of the exam. Using toru for an exam would imply you are physically taking the paper away, not sitting for the test.

得る (Eru) vs. 取る (Toru)

Eru is a more formal word for 'to obtain' or 'to gain'. It is used for abstract gains like knowledge (chishiki o eru) or permission (kyoka o eru). Toru is more common in daily speech, while eru appears in literature and formal reports.

In the context of 'taking away' or 'removing', you might consider 外す (Hazusu). While toru can mean to remove a hat, hazusu specifically means to 'detach' or 'unfasten', like taking off glasses or a watch. It implies the object was connected to something else. For 'stealing', the word is 盗む (Nusumu). While toru can euphemistically mean someone 'took' something that wasn't theirs, nusumu is the direct word for theft.

Summary Table

• Take (general): 取る (Toru)
• Take (photo): 撮る (Toru - different kanji)
• Take (ride): 乗る (Noru)
• Take (medicine): 飲む (Nomu)
• Take (receive): もらう (Morau)