Translation guide
The English phrasal verb "lay out" has several distinct meanings. This guide organizes them by practical use, from arranging objects to explaining ideas, spending money, and preparing a dead body.
To place items in an organized, visible way, often on a surface.
General verb for arranging things in a line or order. Transitive.
I laid out the plates on the table.
To spread something out flat, like a map or cloth. Transitive.
I laid out the map on the floor.
To lay something down to cover a surface, like a mat or sheet. Transitive.
We laid out a sheet on the grass for the picnic.
To describe a plan, argument, or information in a structured way.
The most common verb for explaining something. Use with adverbs like 詳しく (in detail) or わかりやすく (clearly).
Could you lay out the new proposal in detail?
To state something clearly and explicitly. More formal than 説明する.
To show or present information, often used in formal contexts like presentations or reports.
To spend a large amount of money, often on something significant.
To plan the layout of a room, garden, or page.
To wash and dress a corpse for a funeral.
To hit someone so hard they fall down or lose consciousness.
The English phrasal verb 'lay out' does not have a single Japanese equivalent. Always choose the verb that matches the specific meaning you intend. Using 置く (to put) for 'lay out ideas' will sound unnatural.
Please lay out the contract terms clearly.
グラフを使ってデータを示した。
I laid out the data using graphs.