Translation guide
The English verb "put" has many meanings. This guide covers the most common uses for learners, organized by the intended meaning, with natural Japanese equivalents.
To move an object to a specific location
General verb for putting something down or placing it somewhere. Used for objects that will stay in place.
Please put the book on the desk.
Where did you put the keys?
Use when putting something into a container, bag, box, etc.
To put something on top of a surface (e.g., on a table, on a plate).
To put something away in its proper place, to store.
To make someone or something be in a particular state
Pattern meaning 'to make something/someone ~'. Adjective or noun + にする.
Please put the room in order. (lit. make the room clean)
To say or write something in a particular way
General verb for 'to say'. Often used with adverbs like うまく (well) or はっきり (clearly).
To write down or mark something
To write. Use when putting words on paper or a form.
To attach, stick, or apply something to a surface
To stick, paste, put up (e.g., a poster, stamp).
To put money, effort, or time into something
To put out, contribute (money, effort). Often used in phrases like お金を出す (put up money).
Common combinations with prepositions/adverbs that have specific meanings
For 'put up with', meaning to endure or tolerate.
I put my wallet in my bag.
Please put sugar in the coffee.
Please put the food on the table.
Put your toys away in the box.
His words put me in a sad mood. (lit. made me sad)
Used in specific phrases like 'put pressure on' (圧力をかける) or 'put a spell on' (魔法をかける).
Stop putting pressure on him.
うまく言えないけど、ありがとう。
I can't put it well, but thank you.
Please put it clearly.
To express, to put into words. More formal.
It's difficult to put your feelings into words.
ここに名前を書いてください。
Please put your name here.
To fill in, to write in (on a form). Formal.
Please put the necessary information.
壁にポスターを貼った。
I put a poster on the wall.
To attach, put on (e.g., a sticker, a label).
Please put a label on the luggage.
彼は事業に多額の資金を出した。
He put a large amount of money into the business.
To pour (effort, energy) into something. Metaphorical.
She put all her energy into her work.
I can't put up with his attitude anymore.
For 'put off', meaning to postpone.
Let's put off the meeting until next week.
For 'put away', meaning to tidy up or store.
Put away your toys.
For 'put out' (a fire, light).
Please put out the fire.
put on a hat (wear on head)
put on glasses (wear)
置く is for placing on a surface (general). 入れる is for putting inside a container. 載せる is specifically for putting on top of something (like a table, plate, or vehicle).