Synonym Nuance VS
How to say "Lower" in Japanese
Both words can translate to "lower", but which should you choose?
Japanese Option A
おろす
おろす (orosu)
N5 / CEFR Syllabus
VS
Japanese Option B
下げる
さげる (sageru)
N4 / CEFR Syllabus
Nuance Contrast & Translation Difference
When translating "lower" into Japanese, you must choose carefully between おろす and 下げる.
In Japanese, おろす (おろす (orosu)) is typically associated with "to lower, to take down, to withdraw (money)" (Syllabus Level: N5) and represents Transitive verb. Used for lowering something, taking something down from a height, or withdrawing money from a bank..
On the other hand, 下げる (さげる (sageru)) maps to "to lower; to hang down" (Syllabus Level: N4) and represents Transitive verb. Used for lowering something, decreasing a value, or taking down something that was hung up. 物を低い位置に移動させる、または数値や程度を減らすときに使います。. A literal translation of "lower" can often sound unnatural to native Japanese speakers if mixed up!
Bilingual Context for "おろす"
銀行でお金を下ろしました。
I withdrew money from the bank.
Bilingual Context for "下げる"
気温が下がってきたので、窓を閉めました。
The temperature dropped, so I closed the window.
Nuance Mastery Quiz
Which Japanese word perfectly fits this blank space?
Fill in the blank: "銀行でお金を下ろしました。" (Meaning: "I withdrew money from the bank.")
🎉 Correct Answer!
Remember: "おろす" fits here because it means "to lower, to take down, to withdraw (money)" in the context of: "I withdrew money from the bank.". "下げる" represents "to lower; to hang down".