Translation guide
The English phrase 'laying out' has several distinct meanings. This guide covers the most common uses: arranging or spreading things out, explaining or presenting clearly, spending money, and preparing a dead body. Each meaning has different natural Japanese equivalents.
To place items in an organized or spread-out manner, such as clothes, tools, or a picnic.
laying out clothes for the morning · laying out tools on the workbench · laying out a picnic blanket
General verb for arranging or lining up objects in an orderly way. Transitive.
服をベッドに並べた。
I laid out the clothes on the bed.
To spread something out flat, like a map, blanket, or newspaper. Transitive.
公園でレジャーシートを広げた。
We laid out a picnic sheet in the park.
To prepare or get things ready, often used when 'laying out' means setting things up for use.
明日の服を準備しておいた。
I laid out my clothes for tomorrow.
To spread or lay something flat on a surface, especially bedding, mats, or sheets. Transitive.
布団を敷いた。
I laid out the futon.
To explain an idea, plan, or argument in a clear, organized way.
laying out the plan for the project · laying out the reasons for the decision
The most common and neutral way to say 'explain'. Works in most contexts.
計画を詳しく説明した。
I laid out the plan in detail.
To state clearly or articulate. More formal, often used in writing or presentations.
彼は自分の意見を明確に述べた。
He laid out his opinion clearly.
To present or put forward (a plan, idea). Common in business or formal settings.
新しい戦略を提示した。
We laid out a new strategy.
To state or express. Slightly formal, often used in speeches or writing.
To spend a large amount of money, often on something significant.
laying out a lot of money for a new car · laying out cash for repairs
General verb for spending money. Neutral and widely used.
新車に大金を使った。
I laid out a lot of money on a new car.
To spend or expend (money, time, effort). Slightly formal, emphasizes the amount or sacrifice.
To expend or disburse money. Formal, often used in accounting or business contexts.
会社は設備に多額を支出した。
The company laid out a large amount on equipment.
To wash and dress a dead body for burial or viewing.
laying out the deceased · the body was laid out in the funeral home
To prepare or arrange a dead body. This is a descriptive phrase; there is no single common verb equivalent to 'lay out' in this sense.
遺体をきれいに整えた。
They laid out the body neatly.
To place a body in a coffin. This is part of the funeral process and implies preparation.
故人を納棺した。
They laid out the deceased in the coffin.
Ritual washing of the deceased. A specific part of traditional Japanese funeral rites.
湯灌をしてから納棺した。
After laying out (washing) the body, they placed it in the coffin.
The English phrase 'laying out' cannot be translated as a single Japanese verb. Always choose the equivalent based on the specific meaning: arranging, explaining, spending, or preparing a body.
I laid out the reasons concisely.
修理に多額の費用を費やした。
We laid out a large sum for repairs.