Synonym Nuance VS
How to say "Put" in Japanese
Both words can translate to "put", but which should you choose?
Japanese Option A
仕舞う
しまう (shimau)
N3 / CEFR Syllabus
VS
Japanese Option B
打ち出す
うちだす (uchidasu)
N2 / CEFR Syllabus
Nuance Contrast & Translation Difference
When translating "put" into Japanese, you must choose carefully between 仕舞う and 打ち出す.
In Japanese, 仕舞う (しまう (shimau)) is typically associated with "to put away, to finish, to store, to close (a shop)" (Syllabus Level: N3) and represents As a main verb, it primarily means to put something away in its designated place or to finish an activity/close a business. As an auxiliary verb.
On the other hand, 打ち出す (うちだす (uchidasu)) maps to "to put forward (a plan), to launch, to announce" (Syllabus Level: N2) and represents Primarily used when presenting or proposing a new policy, plan, strategy, or idea to the public or a group. Can also mean to hammer out or shape metal.. A literal translation of "put" can often sound unnatural to native Japanese speakers if mixed up!
Bilingual Context for "仕舞う"
使ったおもちゃを箱に仕舞った。
I put away the toys I used into the box.
Bilingual Context for "打ち出す"
会社は来年度の新しい事業計画を打ち出した。
The company launched its new business plan for the next fiscal year.
Nuance Mastery Quiz
Which Japanese word perfectly fits this blank space?
Fill in the blank: "使ったおもちゃを箱に仕舞った。" (Meaning: "I put away the toys I used into the box.")
🎉 Correct Answer!
Remember: "仕舞う" fits here because it means "to put away, to finish, to store, to close (a shop)" in the context of: "I put away the toys I used into the box.". "打ち出す" represents "to put forward (a plan), to launch, to announce".