置く
oku[o̞kɯ̟]
The English verb 'put' can be translated into Japanese as 置く (oku). Wiktionary also lists 据える (sueru).
Meaning: to place something somewhere (verb)
Ways to say it
| Japanese | Romanization (Wiktionary) | IPA |
|---|---|---|
| 置く | oku | [o̞kɯ̟] (narrow) |
| 据える | sueru | [sɨe̞ɾɯ̟] (narrow) |
置く is the standard, general-purpose verb for placing an object on a surface. When you want to indicate the destination where something is being put into a container, you use the particle に with the verb 入れる.
Which one should you use?
While 置く is used for placing any object, 据える is used for setting something firmly or permanently in place, such as a piece of equipment or a throne.
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
You can use the respectful and formal expression お置きになる to mean 'to put'.
How does it change in a sentence?
The dictionary form 置く changes to 置いた in the plain past tense. The te-form 置いて is used to connect actions or to form the request 置いてください (please put).
How do you pronounce it?
oku
Did you know?
- The word 置く is part of the expression 置き心付け, which describes a state of being mentally prepared or having a pre-set mindset.
- The verb 置く is used in the phrase 置いてけぼり to describe the feeling of being left behind or abandoned by others.
- The verb 据える (sueru) shares a deep historical connection to the act of sitting, as it is etymologically linked to the verb 座る (suwaru), meaning 'to sit'.
Examples in context
- 通路に物を置くな。Don't put your stuff in the aisle.This sentence is useful for seeing the use of 置く in a negative command.Tatoeba #125570 by KK_kaku_, translation #13926424 by justpeachy
- ここにモノを置くな。Don't put things here.This sentence shows how to use 置く when telling someone not to put things in a specific location.Tatoeba #10989471 by small_snow, translation #10989443 by CK
- これは、どこに置くつもり？Where are you going to put this?This sentence demonstrates how to use 置く when asking about future intentions.Tatoeba #12167686 by small_snow, translation #9457158 by sundown
- お荷物はロッカーにお置きになってください。Please put your luggage in the locker.
- ランチをテーブルに置いてください。Please put the lunch on the table.
- コーヒーをカップに入れてください。Please put the coffee in the cup.
- 靴を玄関に置いてください。Please put your shoes at the entrance.
- リンゴをバッグに入れてください。Please put the apple in the bag.
- 7 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Yui and Hiroto are cleaning the living room together.
- 結衣 Yuiこの本はどこに置く？Kono hon wa doko ni oku?Where should I put this book?
- 大翔 Hiroto棚の上に置いてください。Tana no ue ni oite kudasai.Please put it on top of the shelf.
- 結衣 Yuiわかった。ここに置くね。Wakatta. Koko ni oku ne.Got it. I'll put it here.
- 大翔 Hirotoうん、そこでいいよ。Un, soko de ii yo.Yeah, that's fine.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “put” translations and entries 置く, 据える, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries 据える, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
