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Quadruple VS

Synonym Boundary: "整える", "仕舞う", "掲げる", "揃える"

All represent the core concept "put", but require precise selection.

Japanese Option A

整える

ととのえる (totonoeru)
N3 / CEFR
Japanese Option B

仕舞う

しまう (shimau)
N3 / CEFR
Japanese Option C

掲げる

かかげる (kakageru)
N2 / CEFR
Japanese Option D

揃える

そろえる (soroeru)
N2 / CEFR

Quadruple VS Nuance Contrast & Social Differences

When expressing "put" in Japanese, you must carefully distinguish between "整える", "仕舞う", "掲げる", "揃える" based on context.
  • 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..
  • 揃える (そろえる (soroeru) - Level: N2): Maps to "to put in order, to arrange, to make uniform, to gather (transitive)" and is used when Transitive verb. Refers to intentionally gathering, arranging, or making things uniform..
Mixing these up can easily lead to unnatural translations. Refer to the bilingual context cards below to master the boundaries!
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.
Context for "揃える"
彼は机の上の書類をきれいに揃えた。
He neatly arranged the documents on the desk.

Synonym Mastery Challenge

Which Japanese word perfectly fits this blank space?

Fill in the blank: "出かける前に、身支度を整えた。" (Meaning: "I got myself ready before going out.")
🎉 Correct Answer!

Remember: "整える" is correct here because it represents "to put in order, to arrange, to prepare, to get ready, to adjust" in the context: "I got myself ready before going out.".

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