Translation guide
Expresses the act of gaining ownership or control over something, ranging from physical objects to abstract rights or territories. Japanese uses different verbs depending on whether the focus is on receiving, seizing, occupying, or legally acquiring.
To get something, often through transfer or acquisition, without force.
General verb for receiving something handed over or sent. Implies taking possession of a physical item or information.
荷物を受け取りました。
I took possession of the package.
鍵を受け取ってください。
Please take possession of the key.
To obtain or get hold of something, often after effort. Emphasizes the result of acquiring something desired.
ついにチケットを手に入れた。
I finally took possession of the tickets.
Formal term for obtaining or acquiring something, often used in business or official contexts.
必要な書類を入手しました。
I took possession of the necessary documents.
To take possession aggressively, such as confiscating, occupying, or capturing.
To seize or confiscate, typically by legal authority (police, customs).
警察が違法な薬物を押収した。
The police took possession of the illegal drugs.
To occupy or take over a place, often by force or protest. Used for buildings, land, or spaces.
デモ隊が広場を占拠した。
The protesters took possession of the square.
To snatch, rob, or take by force. Emphasizes the act of taking away from someone else.
To requisition or commandeer, often by military or government authority.
軍がその建物を接収した。
The military took possession of the building.
To become the legal owner, often through purchase, inheritance, or transfer.
To own or possess. Used for property, assets, or rights. Focuses on the state of ownership rather than the act of taking.
彼はその土地を所有している。
He has taken possession of the land (and now owns it).
To acquire or obtain, especially rights, qualifications, or property. Common in legal and business contexts.
彼はその会社の株式を取得した。
He took possession of the company's shares.
To take over or succeed to something, such as a business, role, or property, from a predecessor.
To take possession of a physical space, such as a seat, room, or territory.
To occupy or hold a position or space. Often used for seats, rankings, or proportions.
早く席を占めてください。
Please take possession of a seat quickly.
To take up a position or encamp, often with a sense of securing a spot for oneself. Casual.
受け取る focuses on the act of receiving something handed over. 手に入れる emphasizes obtaining something after effort, often desired. 入手する is a formal equivalent of 手に入れる, used in official or business contexts.
The verb 取る (とる) means 'to take' but does not directly translate to 'take possession of' in most contexts. Use more specific verbs like 受け取る or 奪う depending on the nuance.
He took possession of my bag (by force).
He took possession of his father's business.
彼らは一番いい場所に陣取った。
They took possession of the best spot.