Translation guide
How to express 'lay aside' in Japanese, covering physical setting aside, saving for later, and abandoning habits or feelings.
To place an object you are holding onto a surface or to the side, often to free your hands or pause an activity.
General verb for putting something down or placing it somewhere. Use with particle に for the location.
I laid the book aside on the desk.
Literally 'put to the side'. Emphasizes moving something out of the way.
Please lay those documents aside.
Literally 'put horizontally/beside'. Similar to 脇に置く, but more about placing beside you.
I laid my bag aside.
To keep something, especially money or time, for a future purpose.
Means to set aside, reserve, or keep something for later. Very common for money, food, or time.
I lay aside a little money every month.
To store up, save, or lay in stock. Often used for money, supplies, or energy.
Literally 'keep separately'. Used when physically or conceptually separating something for later.
Lay this portion aside.
To give up a habit, feeling, or plan, often intentionally.
To throw away, abandon, or discard. Can be used for habits, feelings, or plans.
You must lay aside bad habits.
Lay aside resentment.
To stop, quit, or discontinue. Simple and common for stopping an action or plan.
Metaphorically 'put aside' a topic or issue, often temporarily.
Let's lay that problem aside for now.
To sever, cut off, or abstain from. Stronger nuance, often used for addictions or deeply rooted habits.
取っておく is casual and common for everyday saving or setting aside. 蓄える is more formal and implies accumulating a stock over time, often for future security.
Set aside some snacks.
Accumulate knowledge.
Directly translating 'lay aside' as 横たえる (to lay down) is unnatural in most contexts. Use 置く for physical objects and 取っておく or 捨てる for abstract concepts.
Lay aside funds for retirement.
You should lay that plan aside.
Lay aside alcohol.