Translation guide
Expresses that something requires a certain amount of time, often with a nuance of patience or delay. Japanese uses various verbs and phrases depending on whether the focus is on duration, the passing of time, or the need to spend time.
To say that an action or process needs a certain amount of time.
The most common and neutral way to say something takes time. Literally 'time is required'.
この仕事は時間がかかる。
This work takes time.
Cooking takes time.
Emphasizes that something takes time and effort, often for tasks that are troublesome or labor-intensive.
この料理は手間がかかる。
This dish takes time and effort.
Formal, often used in written or technical contexts. Literally 'to require time'.
この手続きには時間を要します。
This procedure takes time.
To express that someone deliberately uses time for an activity.
Used when someone intentionally spends time on something. The object of spending time is marked with に.
彼は宿題に時間をかけた。
He took time on his homework.
時間をかけて説明する。
Take time to explain.
To set aside or allocate time for something. Often used when making time in a schedule.
会議の時間を取ってください。
Please take time for a meeting.
To emphasize that something takes more time than expected or a long duration.
Directly states that a long time is required.
そのプロジェクトは長い時間がかかった。
That project took a long time.
Often implies a long time when used without a specific duration, especially with emphasis or context.
バスがなかなか来なくて、時間がかかった。
The bus didn't come for a while, so it took a long time.
To tell someone to proceed slowly without hurrying.
Common set phrase meaning 'take your time' or 'stay as long as you like', often used when someone visits.
どうぞ、ゆっくりしていってください。
Please take your time.
Literally 'It's okay not to hurry', used to tell someone they can take their time.
急がなくていいですよ。ゆっくりやってください。
Take your time. Please do it slowly.
Polite, shortened form of 'please take your time', often used in service contexts.
ごゆっくりどうぞ。
Please take your time.
時間がかかる is intransitive and describes the time something takes objectively. 時間をかける is transitive and describes someone deliberately spending time. Compare: この仕事は時間がかかる (This work takes time) vs 彼は仕事に時間をかける (He takes time on his work).
時間を取る means to set aside time, not that something requires time. Saying この仕事は時間を取る would mean 'This work sets aside time', which is unnatural. Use 時間がかかる instead.