Translation guide
The English verb "keep" has many meanings. This guide organizes them by practical use, from most common to niche, with natural Japanese equivalents.
To continue having something, not give it away, or not lose it.
The most common way to say you have and keep something. Literally 'holding/having'.
この本は持っていていいよ。
You can keep this book.
Please keep the change.
To keep something for later use, set aside, save. Implies intentional retention.
この手紙は取っておきます。
I'll keep this letter.
Formal, for keeping items in storage or safekeeping.
貴重品は金庫に保管してください。
Please keep valuables in the safe.
To cause something or someone to remain in a certain state.
Pattern meaning 'keep something in a state'. The second 〜 is an adjective or noun.
部屋をきれいにしておいてください。
Please keep the room clean.
飲み物を冷たくしておく。
Keep the drinks cold.
Leave something as it is, keep it in that state. Often for not changing something.
ドアを開けたままにしないで。
Don't keep the door open.
To maintain or preserve a state, often used for abstract things like balance, health, or temperature.
To not stop doing an action.
Attach to verb stem to mean 'keep doing'. Very common.
Implies 'keep doing nothing but...', often with a negative nuance.
彼は文句を言ってばかりいる。
He keeps complaining.
Colloquial, emphatic 'keep doing intensely'. Attach to verb stem.
昨日はゲームをやりまくった。
I kept playing games all day yesterday.
To place something in a particular location for storage or safekeeping.
To put away, store. Very common for tidying up.
使ったら元の場所にしまってください。
Please keep it in its original place after use.
冬服をクローゼットにしまった。
I kept the winter clothes in the closet.
Formal storage, safekeeping.
データは安全な場所に保管されています。
The data is kept in a secure location.
To hold someone in a place, not allow to leave.
To detain someone by persuasion or physically, often used when someone tries to leave.
彼女は私を長話に引き留めた。
She kept me talking for a long time.
To lock up, confine, keep someone inside.
To fulfill or adhere to something like a promise or schedule.
To keep (a promise, rule, appointment). Very common.
約束を守る。
Keep a promise.
時間を守ってください。
Please keep to the time (be punctual).
To regularly write or maintain a record.
Used for keeping a diary, journal, or log.
毎日日記をつけている。
I keep a diary every day.
To keep a record, more formal.
実験結果を記録する。
Keep a record of the experiment results.
To stay with someone so they are not alone.
To accompany, keep company. Often used in social contexts.
ちょっと付き合ってくれない？
Can you keep me company for a bit?
English 'keep' often combines with adjectives or participles (keep warm, keep going). Japanese uses specific patterns like 〜にしておく or 〜続ける. Direct translation with 保つ (tamotsu) is limited to certain abstract nouns.
しまう means to put away in a designated spot (tidy up). 取っておく means to set aside for future use (save).
おもちゃを箱にしまう。
Put away toys in the box.
この切符は取っておいて。
Keep this ticket (for later).
Keep the room temperature constant.
健康を保つには運動が大切だ。
Exercise is important to keep healthy.
犬を檻に閉じ込めないで。
Don't keep the dog in a cage.