Translation guide
The English phrasal verb 'sort out' has several distinct meanings. This guide helps learners choose the right Japanese expression depending on whether they mean organizing things, resolving problems, or separating items.
To arrange things neatly or put them in order.
To find a solution to a problem, dispute, or difficult situation.
To solve or resolve a problem, issue, or conflict. The most direct equivalent for this meaning.
To separate things into different groups or to pick out specific items from a mixture.
Do not translate 'sort out' word-for-word as ソートアウト. It is not used in Japanese. Always choose a verb that matches the specific meaning.
書類を整理する必要がある。
I need to sort out the documents.
To tidy up or put away, often used for cleaning up a room or putting things back in their place.
Sort out your room.
I want to sort out the problem quickly.
They sorted out the dispute.
To manage or do something about a situation, often implying finding a way to deal with it. More casual and flexible.
I'll sort this matter out.
To settle or finish something, often a troublesome matter. Slightly informal.
Let's sort out this work quickly.
To sort out by selecting and separating, e.g., good from bad, or different types.
I sorted out the apples by size.
To classify or categorize. More formal and systematic than 選り分ける.
I sorted out the documents by type.
To sort, classify, or separate items, often used in business or logistics contexts.
The task of sorting out goods.