Translation guide
The English word 'tidy' can refer to a neat and orderly state, the action of making something neat, or a significant amount. This guide covers natural Japanese expressions for each meaning.
Describing a room, appearance, or arrangement that is clean and well-organized.
A versatile adjective meaning 'clean', 'beautiful', or 'tidy'. Often used for rooms, appearances, and general neatness.
The act of putting things in order, cleaning up, or organizing a space.
Referring to a large amount of money, often used informally.
A natural way to say 'a considerable amount' of money. Fits the 'tidy sum' nuance well.
彼はその車にかなりの額を払った。
He paid a tidy sum for that car.
片付ける focuses on putting things away and making a space look neat. 整理する emphasizes sorting and organizing, often discarding unnecessary items. For general tidying up, 片付ける is more common.
部屋を片付ける（散らかったものを元の場所に戻す）
Tidy up the room (put messy things back in their places)
書類を整理する（必要なものと不要なものを分ける）
Organize documents (separate needed and unneeded ones)
部屋がきれいですね。
Your room is tidy, isn't it?
Means 'well-ordered' or 'in good shape'. Often used for appearance, features, or arrangements that are neat and balanced.
彼は整った顔立ちをしている。
He has tidy features.
Means 'neat and clean' or 'tidy' in a slightly casual, often positive way. Implies a pleasant, uncluttered appearance.
小ぎれいなカフェを見つけた。
I found a tidy little café.
The most common verb for 'tidy up' or 'put away'. Used for rooms, desks, toys, etc.
部屋を片付けなさい。
Tidy up your room.
おもちゃを片付けましょう。
Let's tidy up the toys.
Means 'to organize' or 'sort out'. Focuses on putting things in logical order, not just cleaning.
机の上を整理した。
I tidied up my desk.
Means 'to put in order' or 'adjust'. Used for appearance, hair, or making something neat and presentable.
身だしなみを整える。
To tidy oneself up.
Literally 'a lump sum of money', often used for a significant amount saved or spent.
まとまったお金が必要だ。
I need a tidy sum of money.
In English, 'tidy' can describe a person's appearance (e.g., 'a tidy man'). In Japanese, きれい or 整った are used, but avoid direct translations like 整然とした人, which sounds unnatural. Use きれいな身なり or 身だしなみが整っている instead.
In English, 'tidy' can describe a person's appearance (e.g., 'a tidy man'). In Japanese, きれい or 整った are used, but avoid direct translations like 整然とした人, which sounds unnatural. Use きれいな身なり or 身だしなみが整っている instead.