Today, I’m gonna explain the difference between following four verbs that often makes Japanese learners confused.
What’s the difference between 戻す, しまう, まとめる and 片付ける?
According to the dictionary:
①戻す:return
②しまう:put~away
③まとめる:put~together
④片付ける:tidy up, put away
✏️More detail…………………
戻す(modosu)
戻す is used when you return something to its original location.
eg1: クッションを椅子に戻す。
Put the cushion back on the chair.
eg2: ペンを机の上に戻す。
Put the pen back on the desk.
しまう(shimau)
しまう is used in a specific way more than “戻す”.
しまう is used to put something used or something important back where it belongs, such as in a drawer, shelf or bag.
eg1:皿を引き出しにしまう。
Put the plates away in a drawer.
eg2: お気に入りのアクセサリーを箱にしまう。
Put away my favorite accessories in a box.
eg3: パソコンをかばんにしまう。
Put my computer away in a bag.
まとめる(matomeru)
まとめる is used to bring disparate items together into a single mass.
eg1: 家のゴミをまとめる。
Putting together the house trash
eg2:溜まった新聞をまとめる。
Putting together the accumulated newspapers.
✏️ memo:
まとめる is also used for more than just items.
eg1. 皆の意見をまとめる。
Summarize everyone’s opinions
eg2. データをまとめる。
Summarize data
eg3. チームをまとめる。
Pull the team together
片付ける(katazukeru)
片付ける includes all meanings of 戻す, しまう and まとめる. And it also includes the means of tidy up and clean up.
eg1:キッチンを片付ける。
Clean up the kitchen.
eg2: おもちゃを片付ける。
Put away toys.
That’s all today! ありがとう!
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