置く
おく
oku
The primary image of "oku" is the act of bringing an object to a specific location and letting it remain there. This physical action extends metaphorically to the creation of a stable state or the intentional creation of a gap.
In a physical sense, it is the most neutral and common word for "putting" or "placing." While "setchi suru" (設置する) is used for installing equipment and "sueru" (据える) implies a more permanent or heavy placement, "oku" is used for almost any everyday object.
When used abstractly, "oku" describes establishing a psychological distance or a specific attitude. For example, "shinrai o oku" (信頼を置く) means to place trust in someone, suggesting that the trust is "positioned" and held steadily. Similarly, "kyori o oku" (距離を置く) means to keep a distance, either physically or emotionally.
Regarding time and space, "oku" is used to describe an intentional interval. Phrases like "jikan o oite" (時間を置いて) indicate that a deliberate pause is inserted before the next action occurs, rather than things happening in immediate succession.
Meanings
To place something in a particular position or location.
本を置く。
Put a book.
To assign a certain value, importance, or trust to someone or something.
信頼を置く。
Place trust.
To create a gap or interval in time or space.
間を置く。
Leave an interval.
Grammar & Conjugations
Godan Verb (五段動詞)
okimasu
okimashita
okimasen
okimasen deshita
Examples
テーブルの上に熱いコーヒーを置く。
Place a hot coffee on the table.
ここに剣を置けと命令された。
I was ordered to put my sword here.
十分な間を置かずに次の出来事が起きた。
The next event occurred without leaving a sufficient interval.
Onomatopoeia & Mimetic Words
そっと
Gently or carefully placing something to avoid making noise or causing disturbance.
机の上に手紙をそっと置く。
Tsukue no ue ni tegami o sotto oku.
Gently place a letter on the desk.
がちゃん
With a loud clatter or crash, usually when placing something roughly.
コップをがちゃんと置く。
Koppu o gachan to okuku.
Place a glass down with a loud clatter.
ぽい
Carelessly or casually tossing something down.
カバンをぽいと置く。
Kaban o poito okuku.
Casually toss one's bag down.
Compound Verbs
置き去りにする
To leave someone or something behind; to abandon.
強敵を置き去りにするほどのスピードで走り抜けた。
He ran past at a speed that left his powerful opponent far behind.
置き換える
To replace one thing with another.
古いシステムを最新のクラウド環境に置き換える。
Replace the old system with the latest cloud environment.
置き忘れる
To leave something behind by mistake.
コンビニのレジにスマホを置き忘れる。
Leave one's smartphone behind at the convenience store counter.