Translation guide
The English verb "arrange" covers several distinct actions: putting things in order, planning or organizing events, adapting something (like music), and reaching agreements. Japanese uses different verbs for each of these meanings.
To place items neatly or in a specific order, such as arranging flowers, books, or furniture.
General verb for lining things up or arranging them in a row or order. Transitive.
本を棚に並べた。
I arranged the books on the shelf.
To put something into proper shape or order; to adjust or neaten. Often used for appearance, hair, or a room.
部屋を整えた。
I tidied up the room.
To sort out, organize, or put in order. Often used for documents, data, or belongings.
机の上を整理した。
I organized my desk.
To display or decorate, often used for arranging flowers or ornaments for aesthetic purposes.
花を飾った。
I arranged the flowers.
To make preparations for something to happen, such as a meeting, party, or travel.
To make arrangements, especially for practical things like transportation, tickets, or accommodation.
旅行の手配をした。
I arranged the trip.
To prepare or get ready. Broader than just arranging, but commonly used for setting up events.
会議の準備をした。
I arranged the meeting.
To set up or establish, often used for appointments, systems, or schedules.
面接の日時を設定した。
I arranged a date and time for the interview.
To plan the steps or logistics of an event. Slightly business-like.
イベントの段取りをした。
I arranged the logistics for the event.
To change something to suit a different purpose, especially in creative works like music or writing.
Specifically for arranging music. The standard term.
この曲をピアノ用に編曲した。
I arranged this piece for piano.
To adapt a story for film, stage, or other media. Also implies dramatization or embellishment.
小説を映画用に脚色した。
I adapted the novel into a movie.
Loanword from English, widely used for creative arrangements (music, flowers, recipes).
曲をジャズ風にアレンジした。
I arranged the song in a jazz style.
To come to an agreement or make a deal, often formally.
To decide on or agree upon something formally, such as terms or conditions.
契約の詳細を取り決めた。
We arranged the details of the contract.
To reach a mutual agreement. More about consensus than logistics.
両社は価格について合意した。
The two companies arranged a price.
Colloquial phrase meaning to settle a matter through discussion, often used in business or personal negotiations.
彼と話をつけておいた。
I've arranged it with him.
The English verb "arrange" is very broad. Using a single Japanese word for all situations will often sound unnatural. Always consider the specific action: are you putting things in order, planning an event, adapting something, or making an agreement?
✕ 会議を並べた。
Incorrect for "arranged a meeting".
並べる focuses on lining things up in a row or order. 整える means to neaten or adjust something into proper condition. 整理する is about sorting and organizing, often by category or system.