Quadruple VS
Synonym Boundary: "入れる", "整える", "仕舞う", "掲げる"
All represent the core concept "put", but require precise selection.
Japanese Option A
入れる
いれる (ireru)
N5 / CEFR
Japanese Option B
整える
ととのえる (totonoeru)
N3 / CEFR
Japanese Option C
仕舞う
しまう (shimau)
N3 / CEFR
Japanese Option D
掲げる
かかげる (kakageru)
N2 / CEFR
Quadruple VS Nuance Contrast & Social Differences
When expressing "put" in Japanese, you must carefully distinguish between "入れる", "整える", "仕舞う", "掲げる" based on context.
- 入れる (いれる (ireru) - Level: N5): Maps to "to put in, to insert" and is used when 物を何かの中に入れるときに使います。Polite form is 入れます.
- 整える (ととのえる (totonoeru) - Level: N3): Maps to "to put in order, to arrange, to prepare, to get ready, to adjust" and is used when 乱れたものをきちんと「整理する」、必要なものを「準備する」という意味の他動詞です。/ A transitive verb meaning to 'organize' something messy, or to 'prepare' necessary items..
- 仕舞う (しまう (shimau) - Level: N3): Maps to "to put away, to finish, to store, to close (a shop)" and is used when 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.
- 掲げる (かかげる (kakageru) - Level: N2): Maps to "to put up (a notice), to display, to hoist (a flag), to set up (a goal)" and is used when Used for displaying something publicly or formally, or for setting a high goal/ideal..
Context for "入れる"
コーヒーに砂糖を入れます。
I put sugar in my coffee.
Context for "整える"
出かける前に、身支度を整えた。
I got myself ready before going out.
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.
Context for "掲げる"
彼は高い目標を掲げて日々の仕事に取り組んでいる。
He sets high goals and works on his daily tasks.
Synonym Mastery Challenge
Which Japanese word perfectly fits this blank space?
Fill in the blank: "コーヒーに砂糖を入れます。" (Meaning: "I put sugar in my coffee.")
🎉 Correct Answer!
Remember: "入れる" is correct here because it represents "to put in, to insert" in the context: "I put sugar in my coffee.".