Translation guide
The English verb 'lay' has several distinct meanings. This guide covers the most common uses for learners: placing something down, preparing or setting up, laying eggs, and a few idiomatic uses. Note that 'lay' is transitive (requires an object), while 'lie' is intransitive (to recline).
To place an object gently onto a surface, often in a careful or deliberate manner.
The most general verb for putting something somewhere. It doesn't specify the orientation, but context often implies laying it down.
本を机の上に置いた。
I laid the book on the desk.
Specifically means to lay something down horizontally, often a person or a long object. More literary or formal than 置く.
彼は負傷者をそっと地面に横たえた。
He gently laid the injured person on the ground.
To lay someone down to sleep, or to lay a baby/child down. Implies putting to bed.
赤ちゃんをベッドに寝かせた。
I laid the baby down on the bed.
To lay something out so that it covers a surface, like a cloth, carpet, or map.
Used for laying out flat objects like mats, carpets, sheets, or newspapers. Focuses on covering a surface.
床にカーペットを敷いた。
I laid a carpet on the floor.
テーブルにテーブルクロスを敷いてください。
Please lay a tablecloth on the table.
To spread or unfold something, like a map or a blanket. Emphasizes the action of opening it out.
To get something ready for use, such as a table, trap, or plans.
General verb for preparing or making arrangements. Can be used for laying plans, setting a table, etc.
パーティーのためにテーブルを準備した。
I laid the table for the party.
To set up a trap, a trick, or a device. Often used for 'lay a trap'.
彼はネズミ捕りを仕掛けた。
He laid a mousetrap.
Technical term for laying cables, pipes, or tracks. Used in engineering contexts.
新しい鉄道の線路を敷設する。
They lay new railway tracks.
When a bird, insect, or other animal produces an egg from its body.
The standard verb for laying eggs. Used for birds, fish, insects, etc.
鶏が卵を産んだ。
The hen laid an egg.
Same reading, different kanji. Often used for giving birth to live young, but can also be used for eggs in some contexts. Less common for eggs than 産む.
カメが砂浜に卵を生む。
Turtles lay eggs on the beach.
To establish something abstract, like rules, foundations, or groundwork.
To lay the foundation (literally or figuratively). Common for starting a project or building.
彼らは新しい会社の基礎を築いた。
They laid the foundations of the new company.
To lay down rules or laws. Formal.
規則を定める必要がある。
We need to lay down rules.
To attribute fault or duty to someone.
To lay the blame/responsibility on someone. Literally 'make someone bear responsibility'.
彼は私に責任を負わせようとした。
He tried to lay the blame on me.
To pin a crime on someone, to lay a false charge. Stronger nuance of false accusation.
彼は無実の男に罪を着せた。
He laid the crime on an innocent man.
In English, 'lay' is transitive (lay something down) and 'lie' is intransitive (lie down). Japanese verbs don't have this exact pair, but be careful when translating: 'I'm going to lie down' is 横になる (よこになる), not 横たえる. 'Lay the baby down' is 赤ちゃんを寝かせる (あかちゃんをねかせる).
置く is general 'put'. 敷く is for spreading flat things (carpets, sheets). 横たえる is for laying something long or a person horizontally. Choose based on the object and orientation.
カードをテーブルに置いてください。
Lay the cards on the table.
彼女は赤ちゃんをベビーベッドに寝かせた。
She laid the baby in the crib.
鶏が卵を産んだ。
The chicken laid an egg.
地図をテーブルに広げた。
I laid the map out on the table.