Meaning and Usage
The verb 取り戻す (とりもどす) means "to take back" or "to regain." It is commonly used when someone wants to recover something lost, such as trust, time, or opportunities. It often implies effort or a process of restoration.
Common Contexts
You will often hear 取り戻す in contexts involving emotional or abstract things like trust (信頼), confidence, or time (時間). It can also be used for tangible things but is more frequent with intangible losses.
Collocations and Patterns
- 失った〜を取り戻す (うしなった〜をとりもどす): to regain something lost, e.g., 失った信頼を取り戻す (regain lost trust).
- 時間を取り戻す: to make up for lost time.
- 過去の過ちを取り戻すことはできない: cannot take back past mistakes.
Register and Nuance
取り戻す is neutral and can be used in both formal and informal contexts. It often carries a hopeful or determined nuance, as it implies an attempt to recover something valuable.
Common Mistakes
Learners sometimes confuse 取り戻す with simple verbs like 戻す (もどす, to return something) or 返す (かえす, to give back). 取り戻す specifically emphasizes regaining something lost, often with effort or time involved.