lay
word
/ˈɫeɪ/
lay
/lˈeɪ/
lay
Definition
To put something down carefully in a particular place. It can also mean to place someone or something in a flat position, and for birds, to produce eggs.
Usage & Nuances
Very commonly confused with 'lie'. 'Lay' is usually transitive: you lay something somewhere, while 'lie' does not take an object. Common patterns: 'lay the table', 'lay a hand on', 'lay eggs', 'lay someone down'. Past tense is 'laid', not 'layed'.
Spanish: poner - colocar - tumbarPortuguese (BR): colocar - pôr - deitarPortuguese (PT): pôr - colocar - deitarChinese (Simplified): 放置 - 下蛋Chinese (Traditional): 放置 - 下蛋Hindi: रखना - लिटाना - अंडा देनाArabic: يضع - يمدّد - يبيضBengali: রাখা - শোয়ানো - ডিম পাড়াRussian: класть - положить - откладывать (яйца)Japanese: 置く - 横たえる - 産む（卵を）Vietnamese: đặt - để xuống - đẻ (trứng)Korean: 놓다 - 눕히다 - 낳다(알을)Turkish: koymak - yatırmak - yumurtlamakUrdu: رکھنا - لٹانا - انڈے دیناIndonesian: meletakkan - membaringkan - bertelur
Example Sentences
Please lay the book on the desk.
basic
Just lay your phone there and come help me.
natural
He laid his keys on the counter and forgot them.
natural
She laid the baby on the bed.
basic
The hen lays one egg every morning.
basic
The doctor told me to lay him down and keep him still.
natural