Translation guide
The English verb 'lay' has several distinct meanings. This guide covers the most common uses for learners: placing something down, preparing or setting up, laying eggs, and a few idiomatic uses. Note that 'lay' is transitive (requires an object), while 'lie' is intransitive (to recline).
To place an object gently onto a surface, often in a careful or deliberate manner.
The most general verb for putting something somewhere. It doesn't specify the orientation, but context often implies laying it down.
I laid the book on the desk.
Specifically means to lay something down horizontally, often a person or a long object. More literary or formal than 置く.
He gently laid the injured person on the ground.
To lay someone down to sleep, or to lay a baby/child down. Implies putting to bed.
I laid the baby down on the bed.
To lay something out so that it covers a surface, like a cloth, carpet, or map.
Used for laying out flat objects like mats, carpets, sheets, or newspapers. Focuses on covering a surface.
I laid a carpet on the floor.
Please lay a tablecloth on the table.
To spread or unfold something, like a map or a blanket. Emphasizes the action of opening it out.
To get something ready for use, such as a table, trap, or plans.
General verb for preparing or making arrangements. Can be used for laying plans, setting a table, etc.
I laid the table for the party.
To set up a trap, a trick, or a device. Often used for 'lay a trap'.
Technical term for laying cables, pipes, or tracks. Used in engineering contexts.
They lay new railway tracks.
When a bird, insect, or other animal produces an egg from its body.
The standard verb for laying eggs. Used for birds, fish, insects, etc.
The hen laid an egg.
Same reading, different kanji. Often used for giving birth to live young, but can also be used for eggs in some contexts. Less common for eggs than 産む.
To establish something abstract, like rules, foundations, or groundwork.
To attribute fault or duty to someone.
In English, 'lay' is transitive (lay something down) and 'lie' is intransitive (lie down). Japanese verbs don't have this exact pair, but be careful when translating: 'I'm going to lie down' is 横になる (よこになる), not 横たえる. 'Lay the baby down' is 赤ちゃんを寝かせる (あかちゃんをねかせる).
置く is general 'put'. 敷く is for spreading flat things (carpets, sheets). 横たえる is for laying something long or a person horizontally. Choose based on the object and orientation.
Lay the cards on the table.
She laid the baby in the crib.
The chicken laid an egg.
地図をテーブルに広げた。
I laid the map out on the table.
彼はネズミ捕りを仕掛けた。
He laid a mousetrap.
Turtles lay eggs on the beach.
規則を定める必要がある。
We need to lay down rules.
He laid the crime on an innocent man.