取る vs 撮る vs 盗る vs 採る: Four Japanese Words All Read “Toru”

Yuka

I know 取る means “to take,” but I’ve seen other kanji also read as “toru.” How do I know which to use?

Rei

All four are read “toru” but have different meanings based on the kanji! 取る is the most common all-purpose “take.” 撮る is only for photos/videos. 盗る means to steal. 採る is for picking or harvesting.

取る (toru) — To Take / Get / Grab

取る is the most common and versatile of the group. It covers taking something, getting something, removing something, and many set expressions. When in doubt about which toru to use, 取る is usually safe.

• 塩を取ってください。 — Please pass me the salt.
• メモを取る。 — To take notes.
• 資格を取る。 — To get a qualification.
• コートを取ってきた。 — I went and got my coat.
• 年を取る。 — To age / to get older.

撮る (toru) — To Take a Photo or Video

撮る is specifically and exclusively for taking photographs or recording video. The kanji 撮 contains the radical for “hand” and relates to capturing an image. Never use 取る for photos.

• 写真を撮る。 — To take a photo.
• 動画を撮る。 — To record a video.
• 一緒に撮ってもいいですか？ — May I take a photo with you?
• この場所は撮影禁止です。 — Photography is prohibited here.

盗る (toru) — To Steal

盗る uses the kanji 盗 (steal/rob). It means to take something that belongs to someone else without permission. In practice, people often write this in hiragana (とる) or use 盗む (nusumu = to steal) instead.

• 財布を盗られた。 — My wallet was stolen.
• アイデアを盗る。 — To steal an idea.

採る (toru) — To Pick / Harvest / Adopt

採る is used for picking or harvesting natural things (fruit, mushrooms), and also for adopting a method, approach, or hiring someone. The kanji 採 relates to gathering/selecting.

• きのこを採る。 — To pick mushrooms.
• その方法を採る。 — To adopt that method.
• 新入社員を採る。 — To hire new employees.

Summary Chart

Yuka

In everyday writing, do I have to use the correct kanji?

Rei

In casual writing (texts, social media), many people just write とる in hiragana and everyone understands from context. But in formal writing, school, or publishing, using the correct kanji shows precision!

Quick Quiz

Which kanji fits?

• 1. 卒業式の写真を___った。 (I took photos at the graduation ceremony.)
• 2. 鞄を___られた！ (My bag was stolen!)
• 3. 山でブルーベリーを___った。 (I picked blueberries in the mountains.)
• 4. メモを___ってください。 (Please take notes.)

Answers: 1. 撮　2. 盗　3. 採　4. 取

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