取る

• Reading: とる
• Romaji: toru
• Kanji breakdown: 取 (shu/to) — to take, to get
• Pronunciation: /to.ɾɯ/

Meaning

To take; to pick up; to grab; to get. One of the most versatile verbs in Japanese.

A Group 1 (godan) verb with an る stem. Extremely versatile with meanings ranging from physically picking up objects to taking notes, vacations, and courses. Context determines the specific meaning. Often combined with other verbs in compound expressions.

Examples

1. その本を取ってくれませんか。 Could you pass me that book?
2. 来週、休みを取るつもりです。 I plan to take time off next week.
3. テストでいい点を取りたいです。 I want to get a good score on the test.

Usage Guide

Context: daily life, work, requests

Tone: neutral

Origin & History

From Old Japanese. The kanji 取 combines 耳 (ear) and 又 (hand), depicting the ancient practice of taking an enemy's ear as proof of victory in battle.

Cultural Context

Era: Ancient

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal