Translation guide
How to express the action of lifting something quickly, often with a cupped hand or tool, or gathering things in one motion.
To pick up something small or loose using a scooping motion, like with your hand, a spoon, or a shovel.
To lift someone or something swiftly, often in one smooth motion, like picking up a child or grabbing an item.
To gather things together quickly, often with a sweeping motion, like collecting papers or winnings.
すくう is used for scooping with a cupped hand or tool, like water or sand. 拾い上げる is for picking up solid objects from a surface. Use すくう for liquids and granular things, and 拾い上げる for discrete items like a book or a coin.
English 'scoop up' can be used figuratively (e.g., 'scoop up a bargain'). Japanese equivalents are usually physical. For figurative uses, consider 手に入れる (てにいれる) or 獲得する (かくとくする).
He scooped up some water with his hands.
スプーンでスープをすくってください。
Please scoop up the soup with a spoon.
Emphasizes lifting something up after scooping, often used for rescuing or lifting out of water.
彼は池から落ちたボールをすくい上げた。
He scooped up the ball that had fallen into the pond.
To scrape or rake together and scoop up, often used for gathering scattered things in a hurry.
彼は落ちたコインをかき集めた。
He scooped up the fallen coins.
To scoop up and lift someone (especially a child) into one's arms.
母親は赤ちゃんを抱き上げた。
The mother scooped up the baby.
To pick up something from the ground or a surface, often quickly.
彼は床に落ちた本を拾い上げた。
He scooped up the book from the floor.
To quickly grab or snatch up something, implying a swift scooping motion.
彼は机の上の鍵をさっと取った。
He scooped up the keys from the desk.
To rake or sweep things together and take them, often used for gathering scattered items or money.
彼はテーブルの上の小銭をかき集めた。
He scooped up the loose change on the table.
To gather all at once, emphasizing the speed and completeness of the action.
彼女は書類を一気に集めてカバンに入れた。
She scooped up the documents and put them in her bag.