How to say "align" in Japanese
Choosing the right word
- 方向付けるほうこうづけるichidan verbCovers 'align' in the sense of orienting: giving something a direction or steering it toward a goal, as when setting the course of a project or policy. 'Orient' and 'direct' are closer English equivalents.
- 排するはいするsuru verb (irregular), transitive verbGlossed 'to align; to put in order', yet seldom the word you want for 'align': in actual use 排する means 'to exclude or reject', so its aligning sense is marginal.
- 排すはいすgodan verb, transitive verbThe same verb as 排する in a shorter form. Despite the gloss 'to align; to put in order', it is normally read as 'to exclude or reject', so rarely the right choice for 'align'.
- 足並みを揃えるあしなみをそろえるexpression, ichidan verbIdiomatic: 'align' with others' thoughts or actions—bringing yourself into step with them, literally evening out a walking pace. Typical when a group gets on the same page before a decision.
- 足並みが揃うあしなみがそろうexpression, godan verbThe intransitive counterpart of 足並みを揃える: use it when a group's thoughts or actions come to align or are aligned—when people are on the same page—rather than for the act of aligning them.
All five are less common renderings of 'align': choose 「方向付ける」 for orienting or directing something, treat 「排する」 and 「排す」 as marginal, and use the two 足並み idioms for aligning with others' thoughts or actions.
Usage comparisons are AI-assisted and cross-checked by multiple models; for study reference only
Japanese equivalents
