Translation guide
To take something again, such as a test, a photo, or a captured position. The most common Japanese equivalents depend on what is being retaken.
To take a test or exam again, often after failing or missing it.
Noun meaning 're-examination' or 'retake'. Often used with する to mean 'to retake an exam'.
来週、再試験を受けます。
I will retake the exam next week.
Short for 追試験, meaning a supplementary or make-up exam. Common in academic contexts.
追試があるので、勉強しなければなりません。
I have a retake exam, so I have to study.
Noun meaning 'retaking an examination'. More formal than 再試験.
再受験の申し込みは明日までです。
The application for retaking the exam is due tomorrow.
To take a photograph or record video again, usually because the first attempt was unsatisfactory.
Compound verb meaning 'to retake (a photo/video)'. Combines 撮る (to take) and 直す (to redo).
写真がぶれたので、撮り直します。
The photo was blurry, so I'll retake it.
Literally 'take once more'. A simple, natural way to say 'retake a photo'.
目をつぶっちゃった。もう一度撮ってくれる？
I blinked. Can you retake it?
To recapture a place or position that was lost, often in military or gaming contexts.
Noun meaning 'recapture' or 'retaking'. Used with する. Common in military or strategic contexts.
部隊は基地を奪還した。
The troops retook the base.
Noun meaning 'reoccupation'. Used in formal or historical contexts.
軍は都市を再占領した。
The army retook the city.
To take a class again, usually because of failure or incomplete credit.
Noun meaning 'retaking a course'. Common in university settings.
単位を落としたので、来学期に再履修します。
I failed the credit, so I'll retake the course next semester.
Literally 'take the course once more'. A straightforward way to express retaking a class.
この授業をもう一度受講したいです。
I want to retake this class.
The English 'retake' does not have a single direct Japanese equivalent. Always specify what is being retaken and use the appropriate compound verb or noun phrase.
Verb meaning 'to take back by force' or 'to recapture'. More direct and action-oriented.
敵に奪われた城を奪い返す。
We will retake the castle that was captured by the enemy.