Translation guide
The English phrase "take back" has several distinct meanings. This guide covers how to express each one naturally in Japanese.
To withdraw or take back something you said, such as an opinion, promise, or insult.
General term for canceling or retracting a statement. Can be used in both formal and casual contexts.
彼は前言を取り消した。
He took back his earlier statement.
Formal term for withdrawing or retracting a statement, often used in official or public contexts.
大臣は発言を撤回した。
The minister took back his remarks.
Literally "cancel what I said". A natural way to say "take back what I said" in conversation.
ごめん、今の言葉は取り消すよ。
Sorry, I take back what I just said.
To bring an item back to a store for a refund or exchange.
Standard term for returning a purchased item to a store.
この商品を返品したいのですが。
I'd like to take back this item.
General verb for returning something. In a shopping context, it implies returning an item.
レシートがあれば、商品を返せます。
You can take back the item if you have the receipt.
To take something back that you previously gave or lent, or to regain control.
To take back or recover something that was lost, given away, or taken. Works for physical objects and abstract things like trust.
彼は貸した本を取り戻した。
He took back the book he had lent.
信頼を取り戻すのは難しい。
It's hard to take back trust.
To take back or take over something, often used for items left behind or for assuming responsibility.
To allow someone to come back, such as a former partner or employee.
To accept or take someone back into a relationship, group, or position.
彼女は彼をまた受け入れた。
She took him back.
To put someone back in a previous position or state. Often used in work contexts.
To cause someone to remember or relive a past experience, often nostalgically.
To make someone remember; literally "cause to recall". Used when something takes you back to a past time.
この曲は高校時代を思い出させる。
This song takes me back to my high school days.
To feel nostalgic about something. Often used when something evokes fond memories.
古い写真を見て懐かしんだ。
Looking at old photos took me back.
Directly translating "take back" as 「取って戻す」 or 「バックを取る」 is unnatural. Always choose the appropriate Japanese expression based on the intended meaning.
I went to take back the luggage I had left.
The company took him back to his old department.