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.
General term for organizing, tidying up, or putting things in order. Works for physical items, documents, thoughts, etc.
机の上を整理した。
I sorted out my desk.
書類を整理する必要がある。
I need to sort out the documents.
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.
問題を早く解決したい。
I want to sort out the problem quickly.
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.
To tidy up or put away, often used for cleaning up a room or putting things back in their place.
部屋を片付けなさい。
Sort out your room.
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.
この件は私が何とかします。
I'll sort this matter out.
To settle or finish something, often a troublesome matter. Slightly informal.
早くこの仕事に片を付けよう。
Let's sort out this work quickly.
To sort out by selecting and separating, e.g., good from bad, or different types.
りんごを大きさで選り分けた。
I sorted out the apples by size.
To classify or categorize. More formal and systematic than 選り分ける.
書類を種類ごとに分類した。
I sorted out the documents by type.
To sort, classify, or separate items, often used in business or logistics contexts.
商品を仕分ける作業。
The task of sorting out goods.