選ぶ
えらぶ
erabu
The core image of "erabu" is the act of identifying and extracting a specific item or person from a group based on a particular criterion or preference. It is the most general and versatile term for "choosing" in Japanese, applicable to everything from trivial daily decisions to life-altering choices.
In terms of register, "erabu" is used in both casual and polite conversation. For more formal, academic, or technical contexts, the Sino-Japanese compound "sentaku suru" (選択する) is often used. While "erabu" feels more personal and intuitive, "sentaku suru" implies a more systematic or logical process of selection.
An important pragmatic nuance occurs when "erabu" is used in the context of people or habits, such as "tabemono o erabu" (to be picky about food). In these cases, it does not simply mean "to choose what to eat," but rather "to be fastidious" or "to be picky," often carrying a slightly negative connotation of being difficult to please. This is distinct from the simple act of picking an item from a menu.
When emphasizing a rigorous selection process where only the absolute best is kept, the compound verb "erabinuku" (選び抜く) is used, conveying a sense of thoroughness and high standards.
Meanings
To select one or more items from a group of options.
Choose a book.
To select a person for a specific role, position, or representation.
Elect a representative.
To be selective or fastidious about something, often implying a tendency to reject certain options.
Be picky about food.
Grammar & Conjugations
Godan Verb (五段動詞)
erabimasu
erabimashita
erabimasen
erabimasen deshita
Examples
プレゼントにぴったりな色を選んでください。
Please choose a color that is perfect for the present.
次の学級委員を誰にするか全員で選ぶ。
Everyone will choose who will be the next class representative.
信頼できるリーダーを選ぶことが最優先だ。
Choosing a leader who can be trusted is the top priority.
あの子は食べ物をかなり選ぶので大変だ。
That child is quite picky about food, so it is difficult.
彼は服を選ぶ時にとても時間がかかる。
He takes a lot of time when choosing clothes.
Compound Verbs
選び抜く
To carefully select the best from a large number of options.
世界中から選び抜いた最高の素材だけを使って料理を作る。
Cook using only the finest ingredients carefully selected from around the world.
選び取る
To pick out and take a specific one from among many.
たくさんのガチャの結果から、お気に入りのキャラクターを選び取る。
Pick out and take your favorite character from the many gacha results.