Translation guide
The English verb "put" has many meanings. This guide covers the most common uses for learners, organized by the intended meaning, with natural Japanese equivalents.
To move an object to a specific location
General verb for putting something down or placing it somewhere. Used for objects that will stay in place.
Please put the book on the desk.
鍵はどこに置いた？
Where did you put the keys?
Use when putting something into a container, bag, box, etc.
財布をカバンに入れた。
I put my wallet in my bag.
砂糖をコーヒーに入れてください。
Please put sugar in the coffee.
To put something on top of a surface (e.g., on a table, on a plate).
料理をテーブルに載せてください。
Please put the food on the table.
To put something away in its proper place, to store.
おもちゃを箱にしまいなさい。
Put your toys away in the box.
To make someone or something be in a particular state
Pattern meaning 'to make something/someone ~'. Adjective or noun + にする.
部屋をきれいにしてください。
Please put the room in order. (lit. make the room clean)
彼の言葉が私を悲しくさせた。
His words put me in a sad mood. (lit. made me sad)
Used in specific phrases like 'put pressure on' (圧力をかける) or 'put a spell on' (魔法をかける).
彼にプレッシャーをかけるのはやめて。
Stop putting pressure on him.
To say or write something in a particular way
General verb for 'to say'. Often used with adverbs like うまく (well) or はっきり (clearly).
うまく言えないけど、ありがとう。
I can't put it well, but thank you.
はっきり言ってください。
Please put it clearly.
To express, to put into words. More formal.
自分の気持ちを言葉で表現するのは難しい。
It's difficult to put your feelings into words.
To write down or mark something
To write. Use when putting words on paper or a form.
ここに名前を書いてください。
Please put your name here.
To fill in, to write in (on a form). Formal.
必要事項を記入してください。
Please put the necessary information.
To attach, stick, or apply something to a surface
To stick, paste, put up (e.g., a poster, stamp).
壁にポスターを貼った。
I put a poster on the wall.
To attach, put on (e.g., a sticker, a label).
To put money, effort, or time into something
To put out, contribute (money, effort). Often used in phrases like お金を出す (put up money).
彼は事業に多額の資金を出した。
He put a large amount of money into the business.
To pour (effort, energy) into something. Metaphorical.
Common combinations with prepositions/adverbs that have specific meanings
For 'put up with', meaning to endure or tolerate.
彼の態度にはもう我慢できない。
I can't put up with his attitude anymore.
For 'put off', meaning to postpone.
会議を来週に延期しましょう。
Let's put off the meeting until next week.
For 'put away', meaning to tidy up or store.
For 'put out' (a fire, light).
火を消してください。
Please put out the fire.
English 'put' is very broad. Do not assume a single Japanese verb covers all uses. Always consider the specific action or context.
置く is for placing on a surface (general). 入れる is for putting inside a container. 載せる is specifically for putting on top of something (like a table, plate, or vehicle).
Please put a label on the luggage.
She put all her energy into her work.
おもちゃを片付けなさい。
Put away your toys.