取ります

§ What does とります (torimasu) mean?

Let's talk about a super common Japanese verb: とります (torimasu). You'll hear and use this one a lot. At its core, とります means "to take" or "to pass." But like many words, its exact meaning changes a bit depending on what it's paired with and the situation. Don't worry, it's not as confusing as it sounds. We'll break it down so you can use it correctly every time.

The verb とります is an A2-level word, meaning you should definitely be familiar with it early in your Japanese studies. It's one of those essential verbs that unlocks a lot of everyday communication.

§ When to use とります (torimasu): Common situations

You'll find とります used in a wide variety of contexts. Here are some of the most common ways Japanese speakers use it:

§ Taking something physically

Definition

This is perhaps the most straightforward use. When you physically pick up or obtain an object, とります is the verb you want.

§ Taking photos or videos

Definition

When you want to say you're taking a picture or shooting a video, とります is the go-to verb. It's often used with 写真 (shashin, photo) or 動画 (dōga, video).

§ Taking time or a holiday

Definition

When you talk about taking time off, taking a holiday, or taking a break, とります is used. It implies setting aside or using a period of time.

§ Passing an exam or getting a qualification

Definition

When you pass an exam or acquire a qualification, とります can be used. It signifies successfully obtaining something after an effort.

Wait, did you notice something? For passing an exam, the verb actually changes to 受かります (ukakarimasu). My apologies! This is a good example of how specific contexts often have their own specific verbs, even when the English translation might suggest a more general one like "to take" or "to pass."

§ Taking notes or writing something down

Definition

When you jot something down or make notes, とります can be used. It signifies capturing information.

As you can see, とります is incredibly versatile. The key is to pay attention to the object it's paired with. This will often give you the biggest clue about its specific meaning in a sentence. Don't try to force a single English translation onto it; instead, think about the action of 'taking' or 'obtaining' in a broader sense.

§ Understanding 取ります (torimasu)

The Japanese verb 取ります (torimasu) is super common, and you'll hear it all the time. It generally means "to take" or "to pass." But like many Japanese verbs, its specific meaning can shift a bit depending on what it's paired with. Don't worry, it's not that complicated once you get the hang of it.

Let's break down the basic uses first.

BASIC MEANING

To take, to pick up, to get (something).

When you use 取ります with a direct object (marked by the particle を – o), it often means to physically take or pick something up.

§ Using 取ります for 'Passing' or 'Handing Over'

取ります can also mean to pass something to someone, especially when asking someone to hand you something. In this case, you often use the て-form of 取ります (取って - totte) followed by ください (kudasai) to make a request.

§ Common Phrases and Nuances

Here are some useful phrases where 取ります appears. Pay attention to how the meaning shifts slightly.

• 席を取ります (seki o torimasu)

  To take a seat, to reserve a seat.

  私は窓側の席を取ります。
  I will take a window seat.

• 休みを取ります (yasumi o torimasu)

  To take a day off, to take a break.

  来週、休みを取ります。
  I will take a day off next week.

• 時間を取ります (jikan o torimasu)

  To take time, to set aside time.

  少し時間を取って話しましょう。
  Let's take a little time to talk.

• 年を取ります (toshi o torimasu)

  To get older, to age.

  私も年を取ります。
  I'm getting older too.

§ Particles to use with 取ります

The most common particle you'll see with 取ります is を (o), which marks the direct object, as we saw in the examples above. This is straightforward: [thing] を 取ります.

Keep practicing these examples and pay attention to how native speakers use 取ります. You'll quickly get a feel for its various applications. Don't overthink it; just observe and repeat!

§ Basic Meaning of 取ります

The Japanese verb 取ります (torimasu) is super common. It generally means 'to take' or 'to pass.' But like many Japanese verbs, its meaning can change a bit depending on the context. Let's break down how you'll actually hear and use this word in real-life situations, especially in work, school, and even when watching the news.

Definition

to take, to pass, to get

§ At Work: Taking Things and Taking Time Off

In a work setting, you'll hear 取ります for simple actions like picking something up or getting a document. It's also used for 'taking' time, like vacation days.

• Taking an object: If you need to grab something from a shelf or a colleague's desk, this is the verb you'll use.

  ペンを取ってください。

  Translation Hint

  Please take (or pass) the pen.

• Taking a photo/video: When you're talking about capturing an image, 取ります is the correct verb.

  写真を取ってもいいですか。

  Translation Hint

  May I take a picture?

• Taking time off: This is a common phrase you'll hear when colleagues discuss vacation or sick leave.

  来週、休みを取ります。

  Translation Hint

  I will take time off next week (e.g., vacation).

§ At School: Taking Classes and Notes

At school, 取ります is essential for talking about attending classes, taking notes, or even getting grades.

• Taking a class/course: When you enroll in a subject, you are 'taking' that class.

  日本語の授業を取っています。

  Translation Hint

  I am taking a Japanese class.

• Taking notes: This is a daily activity for students, and 取ります is the verb you'll use.

  ノートを取ってください。

  Translation Hint

  Please take notes.

• Taking an exam/test: While there are other verbs, 取ります can also be used, especially in casual conversation.

  試験を取ります。

  Translation Hint

  I will take the exam.

§ In the News: Capturing Information and Obtaining Results

When you're reading or listening to the news, 取ります often appears in more abstract contexts, like 'obtaining' data or 'capturing' public opinion.

• Obtaining data/statistics: News reports frequently use this to describe how information was gathered.

  データが取られました。

  Translation Hint

  Data was taken (or obtained).

• Capturing public opinion/attention: When something gains widespread notice, 取ります can be used.

  世間の注目を取る。

  Translation Hint

  To capture public attention.

As you can see, 取ります is a versatile verb with many uses. Pay attention to the context, and you'll quickly get the hang of it!

§ Understanding the Basics

The Japanese verb 取ります (torimasu) is an essential word to learn, but it can be a bit tricky because it has several meanings. In English, you might translate it as 'to take' or 'to pass.' However, Japanese doesn't always use verbs in the same way English does, leading to common mistakes for learners. Let's look at some of these.

§ Mistake 1: Using 取ります for 'Taking a Person'

In English, you might say 'I'll take you to the station.' In Japanese, you *cannot* use 取ります for this. 取ります is used for inanimate objects or abstract concepts, not people.

Wrong Example

駅まであなたを取ります。(Eki made anata o torimasu.) (Incorrect for 'I'll take you to the station.')

Correct Alternative

駅までお送りします。(Eki made ookuri shimasu.) (I will see you off/accompany you to the station.)

Or, for a more casual 'I'll take you there':

駅まで連れて行きます。(Eki made tsurete ikimasu.) (I will take you to the station.)

§ Mistake 2: Using 取ります for 'Taking a Break'

While English uses 'take a break,' Japanese does not use 取ります for this. It's another case where the direct translation doesn't work.

Wrong Example

休憩を取ります。(Kyuukei o torimasu.) (Incorrect for 'I'll take a break.')

Correct Alternative

休憩します。(Kyuukei shimasu.) (I will take a break.)

§ Mistake 3: Overusing 取ります for 'Taking a Photo'

While you *can* use 写真を撮ります (shashin o torimasu) for 'taking a photo,' many learners rely on it too heavily. There's a more common and natural way to say it.

Acceptable but Less Common

写真を取ります。(Shashin o torimasu.) (I will take a photo. - This is grammatically correct but often sounds a bit stiff.)

More Natural Alternative

写真を撮ります。(Shashin o torimasu.) (I will take a photo. - Note the kanji 撮る which is specifically for photos/filming, making it more precise and common.)

§ Mistake 4: Not Understanding Contextual Meanings

Because 取ります has various meanings like 'to pick up,' 'to get,' 'to obtain,' or 'to remove,' misinterpreting the context can lead to confusion.

• 物を取ります (Mono o torimasu): 'To take an object' (e.g., 'Please take this.')

ペンを取ってください。(Pen o totte kudasai.) (Please pass me the pen.)

• 休みを取ります (Yasumi o torimasu): 'To take a day off/vacation' (This is correct, unlike 'taking a break' mentioned above.)

来週、休みを取ります。(Raishuu, yasumi o torimasu.) (Next week, I will take a day off.)

• 席を取ります (Seki o torimasu): 'To take/reserve a seat'

席を取っておきます。(Seki o totte okimasu.) (I will reserve a seat.)

• 歳を取ります (Toshi o torimasu): 'To get older' (literally 'to take years')

私も歳を取ります。(Watashi mo toshi o torimasu.) (I also get older.)

§ Final Thoughts

The key to mastering 取ります is to learn its common collocations (words it often appears with) and to understand that it behaves differently from 'take' in English in many situations. Don't try to directly translate from English. Instead, learn the specific phrases where 取ります is used correctly.