Translation guide
The English word 'keeping' covers several distinct ideas: holding onto something, storing it, maintaining a state, or continuing an action. Japanese expresses these with different verbs and patterns depending on what is being kept and why.
To keep an object, not throw it away or give it away.
Literally 'hold and put/keep'. Used when you decide to keep something rather than discard it. Very common.
I'll keep this letter.
To keep something for later use, to set aside. Often used for saving things.
To keep in storage, to keep safely. More formal than 取っておく.
To leave something as it is, to keep it remaining. Often used for food or things you don't take with you.
To keep something in a particular location for safekeeping or convenience.
To put away, to store. Used for putting things back in their usual place.
To keep something in a certain state (e.g., keep it clean, keep it warm).
Pattern: noun/na-adjective + にしておく. Means to keep something in that state.
To keep doing something, to continue an action.
Attach to verb stem (masu-form minus ます). Means 'to keep doing' or 'to continue doing'.
To keep something abstract like a promise or a schedule.
To protect, to obey, to keep (a promise, rule, etc.). The standard verb for keeping promises.
To keep an animal, to have a pet.
To keep/raise an animal. The standard verb for pets.
To keep a written record regularly.
Used with 日記 (diary) or 記録 (record). Means to keep a diary/log.
To make someone wait.
Causative of 待つ (to wait). Means to keep someone waiting.
The loanword キープする is used in limited contexts like sports (keep the ball) or reserving a seat. For most meanings of 'keep', use the native Japanese verbs above.
残った料理は取っておいてください。
Please keep the leftover food.
I keep important documents in a safe.
お金は全部使わないで、少し残しておこう。
Let's keep some money instead of spending it all.
Please keep it in its original place after use.
To leave something somewhere, to keep it there for now.
Can I keep my bag here?
To keep in storage, often for valuable or important items.
Please keep the wine in a cool place.
Please keep the room clean.
Keep the drinks cold.
Pattern: i-adjective (〜く) + しておく. Keeps something in that adjective state.
Keep the soup warm.
To maintain, to preserve. More formal/literary. Often used for abstract things like balance or health.
Exercise is important to keep healthy.
He kept walking all night.
It keeps raining.
Used after past-tense verb or noun+の to indicate a state is kept unchanged. Often 'keep ~ing' in the sense of leaving something as is.
Don't keep the door open.
Adverb meaning 'all the time' or 'continuously'. Often used with verbs to express 'keep doing'.
He keeps talking.
I will keep my promise.
Please be on time (lit. keep the time).
犬を飼っています。
I keep a dog. / I have a dog.
I keep a diary every day.
Sorry to keep you waiting.