I would like to ask your advice about my English nickname. My Japanese first name is Takeaki and I’ve been using “Take” as my nickname. However, I’m not sure if this is easy to pronounce and remember for native English speakers. Moreover, I wonder if this nickname is confusing sometimes such as in email because the spelling is same with the verb, “take”.
Can someone let me know whether “Take” is Ok as a nickname? Also, I would be very very grateful if you could suggest the better nickname such as “Tak”.

Question

I would like to ask your advice about my English nickname. My Japanese first name is Takeaki and I’ve been using “Take” as my nickname. However, I’m not sure if this is easy to pronounce and remember for native English speakers. Moreover, I wonder if this nickname is confusing sometimes such as in email because the spelling is same with the verb, “take”. 
Can someone let me know whether “Take” is Ok as a nickname? Also, I would be very very grateful if you could suggest the better nickname such as “Tak”.

jamesavery98 · Accepted Answer

Is it pronounced ta • ke ? Like たけ ? If so I think that’s a wonderful nickname. Tak would be without the e if you intended for it to be like that. As for it being mistaken for the English word take when spelled out... Idk, I don’t think there’s a way around that. As long as you um capitalize it and use context I think people will understand it’s your name. 🤷‍♂️

jamesavery98 · Answer

Or Taki that would probably solve the problem... phonetically they are very similar and Americans might even pronounce Take (the name) as Taki anyways.

jamesavery98 · Answer

@takyam oops sorry typo, た* 👍

mrggy · Answer

I think your nickname should be whatever you want it to be! If your nickname until now has been Take, and you like it, I think you should keep it. Some people might not know how to pronounce it at first, but if you say "it rhymes with the letter K," it will be easy for people to understand. Generally, it's easy for Americans to pronounce Japanese. Many people in America have names that come from many languages and cultures, so for most people it's normal to have friends with names they didn't know how to pronounce at first. Actually, it's probably easier for most Americans to pronounce your name than mine, and I'm American 😅

But that said, if you want a new nickname, feel free to pick a new one!

But that said, if you want a new nickname, feel free to pick a new one!

Kamyczek89 · Answer

Maybe change to "taka :P" or someone other than you can give you nickname. My nickname in polish is Kamień, Ishi in jpn, but my former sensei has given me nickname Inazuma and I still don't know how to translate it to english or polish.

lawny · Answer

If someone hears your name, it should be easy to remember!

In written language, you could write "Také" to indicate the "ay" sound at the end

kevderjabin · Answer

Take can get a bit confusing, instead of shortening it, why not keep the nicknames pronunciation similar to the old one and instead use "Taki"? i think this is easy to pronounce and remember, plus it shouldnt cause any confusion and may be more comfortable to pronounce than "Tak" :)

Take can get a bit confusing, instead of shortening it, why not keep the nicknames pronunciation similar to the old one and instead use "Taki"? i think this is easy to pronounce and remember, plus it shouldnt cause any confusion and may be more comfortable to pronounce than "Tak" :)

Or Taki that would probably solve the problem... phonetically they are very similar and Americans might even pronounce Take (the name) as Taki anyways.

@takyam oops sorry typo, た* 👍

If someone hears your name, it should be easy to remember!In written language, you could write "Také" to indicate the "ay" sound at the end

Maybe change to "taka :P" or someone other than you can give you nickname. My nickname in polish is Kamień, Ishi in jpn, but my former sensei has given me nickname Inazuma and I still don't know how to translate it to english or polish.

If someone hears your name, it should be easy to remember!

In written language, you could write "Také" to indicate the "ay" sound at the end