Quintuple VS
Synonym Boundary: "置きます", "整える", "打ち出す", "掲げる", "揃える"
All represent the core concept "put", but require precise selection.
Japanese Option A
置きます
おきます (okimasu)
N5 / CEFR
Japanese Option B
整える
ととのえる (totonoeru)
N3 / CEFR
Japanese Option C
打ち出す
うちだす (uchidasu)
N2 / CEFR
Japanese Option D
掲げる
かかげる (kakageru)
N2 / CEFR
Japanese Option E
揃える
そろえる (soroeru)
N2 / CEFR
Quintuple VS Nuance Contrast & Social Differences
When expressing "put" in Japanese, you must carefully distinguish between "置きます", "整える", "打ち出す", "掲げる", "揃える" based on context.
- 置きます (おきます (okimasu) - Level: N5): Maps to "to put, to place" and is used when Polite form of 置く.
- 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..
- 打ち出す (うちだす (uchidasu) - Level: N2): Maps to "to put forward (a plan), to launch, to announce" and is used when 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..
- 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..
Context for "置きます"
机の上に本を置きます。
I put the book on the desk.
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 "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.
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: "机の上に本を ＿＿＿ 。" (Meaning: "I put the book on the desk.")
🎉 Correct Answer!
Remember: "置きます" is correct here because it represents "to put, to place" in the context: "I put the book on the desk.".