How To Say Keep That In Japanese

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Post on Apr 18, 2025

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How to Say "Keep That" in Japanese: A Comprehensive Guide

How many ways are there to express the simple phrase "keep that" in Japanese, and which one is best for every situation?

Mastering the nuances of Japanese verb conjugation and particle usage is key to conveying the precise meaning of "keep that," whether you're talking about possessions, promises, or secrets.

Editor’s Note: This comprehensive guide on expressing "keep that" in Japanese has been published today.

Why "Keep That" Matters

The seemingly simple phrase "keep that" encompasses a wide range of meanings and contexts. Its accurate translation in Japanese hinges on understanding the nature of "that" (the object being kept) and the desired action (the type of keeping). Whether it's a physical object, an idea, a secret, or a promise, the choice of Japanese phrasing will significantly affect the overall message and its reception. This understanding is crucial for effective communication in Japanese, both in professional and personal settings. This guide will equip you with the vocabulary and grammatical knowledge to navigate these complexities.

Overview of the Article

This article provides a detailed exploration of various ways to say "keep that" in Japanese, examining the nuances of grammar, vocabulary, and context. We will cover different scenarios, from keeping a physical object to keeping a secret, and provide examples to illustrate each case. Readers will gain a thorough understanding of how to choose the most appropriate phrasing for various situations and avoid common mistakes. Furthermore, we will delve into the subtle differences between seemingly similar expressions, offering a deeper insight into the richness and complexity of the Japanese language.

Research and Effort Behind the Insights

This guide is the result of extensive research, combining insights from authoritative Japanese language textbooks, dictionaries, and online resources. The examples and explanations are carefully chosen to reflect real-world usage, and the grammatical explanations aim for clarity and accessibility, even for learners with a limited background in Japanese grammar.

Key Takeaways

Smooth Transition to Core Discussion

Let’s now delve into the various ways of expressing "keep that" in Japanese, focusing on the grammatical structures and vocabulary that define each nuance.

Exploring the Key Aspects of "Keep That" in Japanese

1. Verb Choices: The core of expressing "keep" lies in the choice of verb. Common verbs include:

   • 置く (oku): To put, place. This is used for physical objects. Example: "本をここに置いておいてください" (Hon o koko ni oite oite kudasai) - Please keep the book here.
   • 保管する (hokan suru): To store, keep safely. This is used for valuable or important items. Example: "重要な書類を保管してください" (Jūyō na shorui o hokan shite kudasai) - Please keep the important documents safe.
   • 持っている (motte iru): To have, possess. While not directly "keep," it implies continued possession. Example: "それをずっと持っていてください" (Sore o zutto motte ite kudasai) - Please keep that for a long time.
   • 覚えている (oboete iru): To remember. This is used for information or promises. Example: "それを覚えておいてください" (Sore o oboete oite kudasai) - Please keep that in mind.
   • 秘匿する (hitoku suru): To keep secret, conceal. This is a more formal and stronger version of keeping a secret. Example: "この情報を秘匿してください" (Kono jōhō o hitoku shite kudasai) - Please keep this information secret.

2. Particles: Particles are crucial for conveying the grammatical function of words within a sentence. The particle "を (o)" marks the direct object, specifying "that" as the thing being kept. Other particles like "に (ni)" (location) or "で (de)" (location/means) might be used depending on the context.

3. Levels of Politeness: Japanese employs different levels of politeness, primarily through verb conjugation. The polite form, typically ending in "-kudasai," is used for requests, while the plain form is used for commands or statements among close friends or family.

4. Contextual Nuances: The precise meaning can change dramatically based on context. "Keep that" could imply:

   • Continued possession: "Keep this gift."
   • Safekeeping: "Keep this document confidential."
   • Remembering: "Keep this promise."
   • Secrecy: "Keep that a secret."
   • Storing: "Keep these supplies in the warehouse."

5. Emphasis and Tone: The choice of words and sentence structure also affects the overall tone. For instance, using "大切にする (taisetsu ni suru)" – to treasure – implies a higher level of importance than simply "置く (oku)."

Exploring the Connection Between "Physical Objects" and "Keep That"

When referring to physical objects, the choice of verb is paramount. If it’s a simple matter of placing something somewhere, 置く (oku) is sufficient. However, if the object is valuable or requires special care, 保管する (hokan suru) is more appropriate. For example:

• Scenario: A librarian instructing a patron to return a book. The phrase would be: "この本を、ここに置いてください" (Kono hon o, koko ni oite kudasai) – Please keep this book here.

• Scenario: A museum curator instructing staff on the storage of an artifact. The phrase would be: "この遺物を、安全な場所に保管してください" (Kono ibutsu o, anzen na basho ni hokan shite kudasai) – Please keep this artifact in a safe place.

Further Analysis of "Keeping Secrets"

Keeping secrets requires using verbs related to secrecy and confidentiality. 秘匿する (hitoku suru) is a highly formal option, while 秘密にする (himitsu ni suru) is more informal. The context, relationship between speakers, and the seriousness of the secret all factor into the best choice.

FAQ Section

1. Q: What's the difference between "置いておく (oite oku)" and "置く (oku)?" A: "置いておく (oite oku)" implies a longer duration of keeping something in a specific place, while "置く (oku)" simply means to place it there.

2. Q: How do I politely ask someone to keep something for me? A: Use the polite form of the verb and add "-kudasai." For example, "これをしばらく保管してください (Kore o shibaraku hokan shite kudasai)" – Please keep this for a while.

3. Q: Is it okay to use plain form when talking to a superior? A: No, using plain form with superiors is highly disrespectful. Always use polite forms in professional settings.

4. Q: How can I emphasize the importance of keeping something safe? A: Use stronger verbs like "厳重に保管する (genjū ni hokan suru)" – to keep securely – or add adverbs like "しっかりと (shikkari to)" – firmly – or "大切に (taisetsu ni)" – carefully.

5. Q: How do I say "keep it safe until..."? A: You'd combine a verb like "保管する (hokan suru)" with a time clause. For example, "それを～まで保管してください (Sore o ~ made hokan shite kudasai)" – Please keep that until ~.

6. Q: What’s the best way to say “keep this a secret between us”? A: 二人の間で秘密にしておきましょう (Futari no aida de himitsu ni shite okimashō) - Let's keep this a secret between us. This uses a more collaborative and informal tone.

Practical Tips

1. Identify the nature of "that": Is it a physical object, information, a promise, or a secret?
2. Choose the appropriate verb: Select the verb that accurately reflects the action of keeping.
3. Consider the context: Is the situation formal or informal?
4. Use appropriate particles: Correct particle usage ensures accurate meaning.
5. Practice regularly: Consistent practice is key to mastering the nuances of these phrases.
6. Listen to native speakers: Immersing yourself in the language helps internalize correct usage.
7. Seek feedback: Ask native speakers to review your sentences for accuracy and naturalness.
8. Learn more about Japanese grammar: A deeper understanding of verb conjugation and particles greatly enhances your ability to form grammatically correct and nuanced sentences.

Final Conclusion

Mastering the art of saying "keep that" in Japanese involves more than just translating the words. It requires a deep understanding of Japanese grammar, verb conjugation, particle usage, and contextual nuances. This guide has explored the various ways to express this seemingly simple phrase, providing you with the tools to communicate effectively in various situations. By understanding the subtle differences between various options, you can choose the phrase that best conveys your intended meaning, whether it’s a simple request to put something down, a formal instruction to safeguard important documents, or a heartfelt plea to keep a secret safe. The journey of learning Japanese is continuous, and this exploration of "keep that" serves as a valuable step in your broader linguistic development. Continue to explore the language's rich complexity, and you will find that the seemingly simple becomes a gateway to a world of nuanced expression.