Japanese

きょりをおく
Meaning: to keep one's distance; to distance oneself
Part of Speech: Verb

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Verb inflections

Form Affirmative Negative
Present 距離を置く 距離を置かない
Polite 距離を置きます 距離を置きません
Past 距離を置いた 距離を置かなかった
Polite + Past 距離を置きました 距離を置きませんでした
Te-form 距離を置いて 距離を置かなくて
Potential 距離を置ける 距離を置けない
Passive 距離を置かれる 距離を置かれない
Causative 距離を置かせる 距離を置かせない
Causative + Passive 距離を置かされる 距離を置かされない
Imperative 距離を置け 距離を置くな

Handwriting

距
離
を
置
く

Example

He keeps his distance from that group to avoid trouble.

Usage Notes

Used both for physical distance and for becoming less involved with someone or something emotionally or socially.

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