Translation guide
The English word 'tidy' can refer to a neat and orderly state, the action of making something neat, or a significant amount. This guide covers natural Japanese expressions for each meaning.
Describing a room, appearance, or arrangement that is clean and well-organized.
A versatile adjective meaning 'clean', 'beautiful', or 'tidy'. Often used for rooms, appearances, and general neatness.
Your room is tidy, isn't it?
Means 'well-ordered' or 'in good shape'. Often used for appearance, features, or arrangements that are neat and balanced.
He has tidy features.
Means 'neat and clean' or 'tidy' in a slightly casual, often positive way. Implies a pleasant, uncluttered appearance.
I found a tidy little café.
The act of putting things in order, cleaning up, or organizing a space.
The most common verb for 'tidy up' or 'put away'. Used for rooms, desks, toys, etc.
Means 'to organize' or 'sort out'. Focuses on putting things in logical order, not just cleaning.
I tidied up my desk.
Means 'to put in order' or 'adjust'. Used for appearance, hair, or making something neat and presentable.
Referring to a large amount of money, often used informally.
片付ける focuses on putting things away and making a space look neat. 整理する emphasizes sorting and organizing, often discarding unnecessary items. For general tidying up, 片付ける is more common.
Tidy up the room (put messy things back in their places)
Organize documents (separate needed and unneeded ones)
In English, 'tidy' can describe a person's appearance (e.g., 'a tidy man'). In Japanese, きれい or 整った are used, but avoid direct translations like 整然とした人, which sounds unnatural. Use きれいな身なり or 身だしなみが整っている instead.
Let's tidy up the toys.
To tidy oneself up.