Translation guide
The English phrasal verb "put away" has several distinct meanings. This guide covers the most common uses for learners: storing an object, saving money, eating a large amount, and informal meanings like institutionalizing someone or defeating an opponent. Each meaning is explained with natural Japanese expressions.
To place an object in its proper storage location after use.
The most common and versatile verb for putting things away, tidying up, or clearing away. It implies returning items to their designated places.
Please put away your toys.
I put the books away on the bookshelf.
Means to put something away into a container, closet, or out of sight. Often used for storing things after use.
I put my clothes away in the closet.
Please put the dishes away in the cupboard.
A more formal term for storing or housing items, often used in instructions or product descriptions.
This shelf can hold (put away) 100 CDs.
To set aside money for future use, often in a bank or savings account.
The standard verb for saving money. It implies putting money away in a bank account or savings.
I put away a little money every month.
Let's put away money for the future.
Means to store up or accumulate, often used for money, supplies, or resources. Slightly more formal than 貯金する.
To consume a large quantity of food or drink, often quickly or with enthusiasm.
A vivid verb meaning to eat up completely, often a large amount. It conveys the idea of putting away food.
He put away a whole pizza by himself.
Describes eating greedily or wolfing down food. It emphasizes the manner of eating rather than just the quantity.
The kids put away the snacks quickly.
A straightforward phrase meaning 'to eat a large amount'. Less colorful than 平らげる.
He puts away a lot of food at every meal.
To place someone in a prison, mental hospital, or similar institution.
A general phrase meaning to put someone into a facility (e.g., nursing home, mental hospital). Context clarifies the type of institution.
His family put him away in a mental hospital.
Specifically means to put someone in prison. Use this when the context is clearly about incarceration.
To defeat an opponent decisively, often in sports or a contest.
Do not translate 'put away' literally as 置く (to put) + 離れて (away). This makes no sense in Japanese. Always use the appropriate verb for the specific meaning.
Both mean to put things away, but 片付ける emphasizes tidying up and organizing, while しまう focuses on storing something out of sight. 片付ける is often used for general cleaning up, whereas しまう is for putting specific items into containers or closets.
tidy up the room (put things away)
Please put away your phone during the meeting.
She put away three burgers in ten minutes.
I try to put away 10% of my salary each month.
He is putting away funds for his retirement.
The judge put him away for life.
put the futon away in the closet