Copyright © 2026 Kotomora. All Rights Reserved.

Words Kanji Guides About

距離を置く (きょりをおく) Japanese meaning | Kotomora

距きょ離りを置おく

Meanings

1

expression, godan verb (-ku)

distance oneself; keep at a distance; maintain a distance

Used for emotional or physical distancing from a person, group, or situation. Often implies a deliberate choice to avoid closeness or involvement.

彼かれはトラブルを避さけるため、そのグループから距きょ離りを置おいた。
He distanced himself from the group to avoid trouble.

しばらく

彼かの

女じょ

と

距きょ

離り

を

置お

く

こと

に

し

た

。

I decided to keep some distance from her for a while.

Kanji

距long-distance, spur, fetlock
離detach, separation, disjoin
置placement, put, set

Similar words

遠とおざける
遠ざける is a transitive verb meaning 'to keep away' or 'to alienate', often with a more active or physical nuance. 距離を置く is a set expression focusing on maintaining emotional or social distance.
距きょ離りを取とる
距離を取る can also mean 'to keep distance', but it is more often used for physical spacing (e.g., while driving). 距離を置く is more common for emotional or relational distance.

Etymology

Compound of 距離 (distance) + を (object marker) + 置く (to place). Literally 'to place distance', it is a set phrase for creating emotional or physical space.