Translation guide
The English phrase 'picking up' has many meanings. This guide covers the most common ones for learners: physically lifting something, collecting someone or something, learning a skill informally, and noticing something. It does not cover every possible Japanese translation.
To lift an object from a surface or the ground.
Used for picking up something that has fallen or is on the ground. Often implies retrieving or gathering.
落ちているゴミを拾った。
I picked up the trash that was on the ground.
彼は床からペンを拾った。
He picked up the pen from the floor.
To lift something up, often with effort. Focuses on the action of raising.
重い箱を持ち上げた。
I picked up the heavy box.
To pick up or take something in hand, often from a surface. Can also mean to confiscate or adopt.
彼は電話を取り上げた。
He picked up the phone.
To go and get a person or thing from a place, often by vehicle.
To go to pick up a person, usually from a station, airport, etc. Implies going to meet them.
駅まで友達を迎えに行った。
I went to pick up my friend at the station.
空港に彼女を迎えに行きます。
I will pick her up at the airport.
Can be used for picking up people, especially in casual contexts like giving a ride. Also for collecting items.
To receive or pick up something that has been prepared or delivered, like a package or ticket.
To acquire a skill, language, or habit without formal study, often by exposure.
To acquire a skill or knowledge, often through practice or experience. Literally 'attach to one's body'.
日本に住んで日本語を身につけた。
I picked up Japanese while living in Japan.
彼は独学でプログラミングを身につけた。
He picked up programming on his own.
To learn or memorize. Can be used for picking up words or habits.
To learn naturally, without conscious effort. Emphasizes the informal aspect.
子供は遊びながら自然に言葉を覚える。
Children pick up language naturally while playing.
To become aware of something subtle, like a sound, smell, or mistake.
To notice or realize something. Commonly used for picking up on hints, changes, or errors.
彼の嘘にすぐ気づいた。
I picked up on his lie right away.
部屋に入ったとき、変な匂いに気づいた。
When I entered the room, I picked up a strange smell.
To sense or perceive something intuitively. Often used for picking up on atmosphere or emotions.
To infer or guess someone's feelings or situation. More formal and empathetic.
The English phrase 'pick up' is highly polysemous. Do not assume a single Japanese word covers all meanings. Always consider the context: lifting, collecting, learning, or noticing.
拾う (hirou) is for picking up something from the ground or a surface, often small items. 持ち上げる (mochiageru) emphasizes lifting something up, possibly heavy, and does not necessarily imply it was on the ground.
学校に子供たちを迎えに行ってくれる？
Can you pick up the kids from school?
旅行中にスペイン語を少し身につけた。
I picked up some Spanish while traveling.
彼女は床からコインを拾った。
She picked up the coin from the floor.
I picked up a friend on the way.
クリーニング店で服を拾った。
I picked up my clothes at the dry cleaner's.
郵便局で小包を受け取った。
I picked up a package at the post office.
旅行中にいくつか現地の言葉を覚えた。
I picked up a few local words during my trip.
彼女は場の空気を敏感に感じ取る。
She quickly picks up on the mood of the room.
彼の沈黙から悲しみを察した。
I picked up on his sadness from his silence.