Quadruple VS
Synonym Boundary: "置く", "整える", "打ち出す", "掲げる"
All represent the core concept "put", but require precise selection.
Japanese Option A
置く
おく (oku)
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
Quadruple VS Nuance Contrast & Social Differences
When expressing "put" in Japanese, you must carefully distinguish between "置く", "整える", "打ち出す", "掲げる" based on context.
- 置く (おく (oku) - Level: N5): Maps to "to put, to place" and is used when 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.
- 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..
Context for "置く"
テーブルの上に本を置きます。
I put the book on the table.
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.
Synonym Mastery Challenge
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" is correct here because it represents "to put, to place" in the context: "I put the book on the table.".