Translation guide
The phrasal verb "take on" has several distinct meanings. This guide covers the most common uses for English-speaking learners of Japanese, organized by practical meaning.
To agree to do something, accept a duty, or assume a role.
The most common and versatile verb for accepting tasks, responsibilities, or roles. It implies willingly taking something on.
彼は新しいプロジェクトを引き受けた。
He took on a new project.
その仕事を引き受けてもらえますか？
Could you take on that job?
To shoulder or bear a responsibility, often used for important roles or duties. Slightly more formal and weighty than 引き受ける.
彼女は会社の将来を担う存在だ。
She is someone who will take on the future of the company.
Literally "to take responsibility." Used when someone accepts blame or accountability, not just a task.
彼は失敗の責任を取った。
He took on the responsibility for the failure.
To undertake or contract to do a job, often in a business or professional context. Implies a formal agreement.
その建設会社が橋の工事を請け負った。
The construction company took on the bridge construction.
To give someone a job or position.
The standard verb for hiring or employing someone.
会社は新しいスタッフを雇った。
The company took on new staff.
To employ or adopt, often used in formal HR contexts. Implies a selection process.
来月、五人を採用する予定です。
We plan to take on five people next month.
To oppose or fight someone or something.
To challenge or take on an opponent, difficulty, or task. The object is marked with に.
彼はチャンピオンに挑んだ。
He took on the champion.
新しい問題に挑む勇気が必要だ。
You need courage to take on new problems.
To fight against someone or something. More direct and physical than 挑む.
彼は強い相手と戦った。
He took on a strong opponent.
To confront or stand up to a challenge or adversary. Emphasizes facing something daunting.
彼らは困難に立ち向かった。
They took on the difficulties.
To begin to have a particular quality or appearance.
To take on a certain quality, color, or characteristic. Often used in written language.
空が赤みを帯びてきた。
The sky took on a reddish hue.
彼の声は悲しみを帯びていた。
His voice took on a tone of sadness.
A formal expression meaning to present the appearance or aspect of something. Used in technical or literary contexts.
事態は深刻な様相を呈している。
The situation is taking on a serious aspect.
To allow people or goods to come onto a vehicle or ship.
To take on passengers or load goods onto a vehicle. The vehicle is the subject or topic, and the object is what is loaded.
バスは停留所で乗客を乗せた。
The bus took on passengers at the stop.
To load cargo or freight onto a ship, truck, etc. More specific to goods.
The English phrasal verb "take on" cannot be directly translated as a single Japanese word in most cases. Always choose the expression that matches the specific meaning you intend.
引き受ける is the everyday word for accepting tasks or responsibilities. 担う implies a heavier, often long-term responsibility and is more formal. Use 引き受ける for most situations.
会議の準備を引き受けた。
I took on the meeting preparations.
彼は国の未来を担うリーダーだ。
He is a leader who takes on the nation's future.
今はこれ以上仕事を引き受けられません。
I can't take on any more work right now.
彼女はチームリーダーの役割を引き受けた。
She took on the role of team leader.
船は港で貨物を積み込んだ。
The ship took on cargo at the port.