Translation guide
The English phrasal verb "put away" has several distinct meanings. This guide covers the most common uses for learners: storing an object, saving money, eating a large amount, and informal meanings like institutionalizing someone or defeating an opponent. Each meaning is explained with natural Japanese expressions.
To place an object in its proper storage location after use.
The most common and versatile verb for putting things away, tidying up, or clearing away. It implies returning items to their designated places.
おもちゃを片付けてください。
Please put away your toys.
本を本棚に片付けた。
I put the books away on the bookshelf.
Means to put something away into a container, closet, or out of sight. Often used for storing things after use.
服をクローゼットにしまった。
I put my clothes away in the closet.
食器を棚にしまってください。
Please put the dishes away in the cupboard.
A more formal term for storing or housing items, often used in instructions or product descriptions.
この棚にはCDを100枚収納できます。
This shelf can hold (put away) 100 CDs.
To set aside money for future use, often in a bank or savings account.
The standard verb for saving money. It implies putting money away in a bank account or savings.
毎月少しずつ貯金しています。
I put away a little money every month.
将来のために貯金しよう。
Let's put away money for the future.
Means to store up or accumulate, often used for money, supplies, or resources. Slightly more formal than 貯金する.
To consume a large quantity of food or drink, often quickly or with enthusiasm.
A vivid verb meaning to eat up completely, often a large amount. It conveys the idea of putting away food.
彼は一人でピザを一枚平らげた。
He put away a whole pizza by himself.
Describes eating greedily or wolfing down food. It emphasizes the manner of eating rather than just the quantity.
子供たちはお菓子をがつがつ食べた。
The kids put away the snacks quickly.
A straightforward phrase meaning 'to eat a large amount'. Less colorful than 平らげる.
彼は毎食大量に食べる。
He puts away a lot of food at every meal.
To place someone in a prison, mental hospital, or similar institution.
A general phrase meaning to put someone into a facility (e.g., nursing home, mental hospital). Context clarifies the type of institution.
彼の家族は彼を精神病院に入れた。
His family put him away in a mental hospital.
Specifically means to put someone in prison. Use this when the context is clearly about incarceration.
裁判官は彼を終身刑で刑務所に入れた。
The judge put him away for life.
To defeat an opponent decisively, often in sports or a contest.
Means to overwhelm or overpower an opponent. It conveys a one-sided victory.
我々のチームは相手を圧倒した。
Our team put away the opposition.
Literally 'to kick away', meaning to defeat easily or brush aside. Stronger and more literary.
彼は挑戦者を一蹴した。
He put away the challenger with ease.
Do not translate 'put away' literally as 置く (to put) + 離れて (away). This makes no sense in Japanese. Always use the appropriate verb for the specific meaning.
Both mean to put things away, but 片付ける emphasizes tidying up and organizing, while しまう focuses on storing something out of sight. 片付ける is often used for general cleaning up, whereas しまう is for putting specific items into containers or closets.
部屋を片付ける
tidy up the room (put things away)
布団を押し入れにしまう
put the futon away in the closet
会議中は携帯電話をしまってください。
Please put away your phone during the meeting.
彼女は10分でハンバーガーを3つ平らげた。
She put away three burgers in ten minutes.
毎月給料の10%を貯金するようにしています。
I try to put away 10% of my salary each month.
彼は老後のために資金を蓄えている。
He is putting away funds for his retirement.