Meaning and Usage
The verb 受け止める (うけとめる) primarily means "to catch" or "to receive" something physically, like a ball, but it is also widely used metaphorically to mean "to take" or "to accept" information, feelings, or reactions. It often implies an active and conscious acceptance or reaction.
Common Contexts
- Physical catching: catching a ball or object thrown or coming towards you.
- Emotional or intellectual acceptance: taking someone's words, feelings, or criticism seriously.
- Reacting to situations or events with understanding or composure.
Collocations and Patterns
- ボールを受け止める: to catch a ball (literal physical action).
- 言葉を受け止める: to take words seriously or to understand someone's message.
- 批判を受け止める: to accept criticism calmly.
- しっかり受け止める: to firmly or seriously accept or catch.
Register and Nuance
受け止める is generally neutral and can be used in both formal and informal contexts. When used metaphorically, it often conveys a thoughtful or serious attitude towards what is being accepted.
Common Learner Mistake
Learners sometimes confuse 受け止める with 受け取る (to receive, to accept), but 受け止める emphasizes the act of "catching" or "taking in" with understanding or reaction, while 受け取る is more about physically receiving or accepting something tangible or abstract without the nuance of reaction.