Translation guide
How to express putting or placing something onto a surface or location in Japanese.
The physical action of placing an object onto a surface like a table, shelf, or floor.
The most common and general verb for placing something somewhere. It implies leaving it there.
本を机の上に置いてください。
Please place the book on the desk.
I put the cup on the table.
To place something onto something else, often with care or for a specific purpose, like loading or putting on top.
Please put the luggage on the shelf.
Put the pot on the stove.
To place a person or living thing onto a vehicle or animal. Not for inanimate objects on surfaces.
Put the child in the car.
Placing an item like clothing, accessories, or a hand onto a body part.
Used for attaching or applying something to the body, like a patch, bandage, or accessory.
Put a bandage on the wound.
To apply or press something against a body part, like a cold pack or hand.
Can be used for placing something lightly on a body part, but less common than つける or 当てる.
Attaching or hanging something onto a wall, board, or similar surface.
Adding an item to a list, schedule, or document.
Figuratively placing value, stress, or focus on an idea or aspect.
Used in the pattern 〜に重点を置く (place emphasis on) or 〜に価値を置く (place value on).
The company places emphasis on customer satisfaction.
置く is the general 'put' for placing objects on surfaces. 載せる implies placing onto something for a purpose or with care, often used for loading or putting on top of something. 乗せる is specifically for placing people or animals onto vehicles or mounts. Do not confuse 載せる and 乗せる in writing, though they are pronounced the same.
English 'place on' with body parts often does not translate directly to 置く. Use specific verbs like つける (attach/apply), 当てる (press against), or 乗せる (place on lap, etc.) depending on the action.
Place a hand on the forehead.
Place hands on one's lap.
Put a poster on the wall.
Put the appointment on the calendar.