How to Say “Put” in Japanese: Formal and Informal Ways, Tips, and Examples

Welcome to this comprehensive guide on how to say “put” in Japanese. Whether you are learning Japanese for travel, business, or personal interest, understanding different ways to express “put” is essential. In this guide, we will explore both formal and informal expressions, providing tips and examples along the way. So, let’s dive right in!

Formal Ways to Say “Put”

When speaking in formal situations or addressing someone of higher status, it is important to use polite language. Here are some formal ways to say “put” in Japanese:

1. お置きになる (Oki ni naru)

Oki ni naru is a respectful and formal expression used to mean “to put” in Japanese. It is commonly used in formal settings, such as business meetings or when speaking with elders. For example:
Example: お荷物はロッカーにお置きになってください。 (Onimotsu wa rokkā ni oki ni natte kudasai.)
(Please put your luggage in the locker.)

2. おいでになる (Oide ni naru)

Oide ni naru is another polite form of “put” used to show respect. It is often used in formal contexts and when addressing respected individuals. For instance:
Example: フォームにお名前をおいでになってください。 (Fōmu ni onamae o oide ni natte kudasai.)
(Please write your name in the form.)

3. お置く (Oku)

Oku is a direct, polite way to say “put” in Japanese. While it may not be as commonly used as the previous expressions, it is still considered formal and appropriate for various situations. Here’s an example:
Example: お客様の荷物を机の上にお置きください。 (O-kyaku-sama no nimotsu o tsukue no ue ni okuki kudasai.)
(Please put your luggage on the desk.)

Informal Ways to Say “Put”

Informal language is used among friends, family, and in casual situations. Here are some common informal ways to say “put” in Japanese:

1. 置く (Oku)

Oku is the plain, dictionary form of “put” in Japanese and is commonly used in everyday conversations. It is suitable for casual interactions with friends or when talking to individuals of the same age or lower status. Example usage includes:
Example: ランチをテーブルに置いてください。 (Ranchi o tēburu ni oite kudasai.)
(Please put the lunch on the table.)

2. 入れる (Ireru)

Though 入れる (ireru) typically means “to put in,” it is widely used to express the action of putting something into a container or enclosed space. This verb can be utilized in various informal situations, for instance:
Example: コーヒーをカップに入れてください。 (Kōhī o kappu ni irete kudasai.)
(Please put the coffee in the cup.)

Combining “Put” with Objects

When using the word “put” in Japanese, it is essential to pair it with appropriate particles to indicate the location or destination of the action. Here are some examples of commonly used particles:

1. 〜に置く (Ni oku)

The particle に (ni) is often used after the verb 置く (oku) to indicate the place where something is put. This combination is versatile and can be employed in both formal and informal situations. Let’s look at an example:
Example: 靴を玄関に置いてください。 (Kutsu o genkan ni oite kudasai.)
(Please put your shoes at the entrance.)

2. 〜に入れる (Ni ireru)

The particle に (ni) is also used with 入れる (ireru) to indicate the destination where something is being put into. This combination is particularly useful when discussing placing objects into containers or enclosed spaces. Here’s an example:
Example: リンゴをバッグに入れてください。 (Ringo o baggu ni irete kudasai.)
(Please put the apple in the bag.)

Regional and Dialectic Variations

Japanese is spoken across various regions, and there might be slight differences in vocabulary and pronunciation. However, when it comes to expressing “put,” the formal and informal variations mentioned earlier are widely understood and used throughout Japan. Therefore, regional variations for this particular keyword are not significant.

Tips for Learning and Using “Put” in Japanese

1. Context Matters

As with any language, context plays a crucial role. Pay attention to the situation, formality levels, and the relationship between you and the person you are speaking to. Adapting your choice of expression accordingly will help you communicate more effectively.

2. Practice Pronunciation

Take time to practice the pronunciation of each expression. Pay attention to subtle nuances, such as honorifics, pitch accent, and length of syllables. Practice will help you sound more natural and be better understood by native speakers.

3. Learn with Examples

Learning through examples is a great way to understand how to use “put” in different contexts. Try to create your own sentences using the expressions provided, and gradually incorporate them into your conversations.

4. Expand Vocabulary

While knowing various ways to say “put” is useful, expanding your vocabulary will give you more options to express yourself. Instead of always relying on a single verb, explore synonyms and related verbs to add depth to your speech.