Quadruple VS
Synonym Boundary: "入れる", "被る", "整える", "仕舞う"
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
被る
かぶる (kaburu)
N4 / CEFR
Japanese Option C
整える
ととのえる (totonoeru)
N3 / CEFR
Japanese Option D
仕舞う
しまう (shimau)
N3 / CEFR
Quadruple VS Nuance Contrast & Social Differences
When expressing "put" in Japanese, you must carefully distinguish between "入れる", "被る", "整える", "仕舞う" 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.
- 被る (かぶる (kaburu) - Level: N4): Maps to "to put on (a hat, helmet, etc.), to wear over one's head" and is used when Specifically used for items worn on the head.
- 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.
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 "被る"
寒いので、帽子を被りました。
It was cold, so I put on a hat.
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.
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.".