Synonym Nuance VS
How to say "Put" in Japanese
Both words can translate to "put", but which should you choose?
Japanese Option A
置く
おく (oku)
N5 / 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 置く and 打ち出す.
In Japanese, 置く (おく (oku)) is typically associated with "to put, to place" (Syllabus Level: N5) and represents 物をある場所に静かに置くときに使います。Polite form is 置きます.
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 "置く"
テーブルの上に本を置きます。
I put the book on the table.
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: "テーブルの上に本を置きます。" (Meaning: "I put the book on the table.")
🎉 Correct Answer!
Remember: "置く" fits here because it means "to put, to place" in the context of: "I put the book on the table.". "打ち出す" represents "to put forward (a plan), to launch, to announce".