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
下ろす
おろす (orosu)
N4 / CEFR Syllabus
Nuance Contrast & Translation Difference
When translating "lower" into Japanese, you must choose carefully between おろす and 下ろす.
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, 下ろす (おろす (orosu)) maps to "to lower, to take down, to drop off, to withdraw (money)" (Syllabus Level: N4) and represents Opposite of 上げる. Can mean to lower something. 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 "下ろす"
銀行でお金を下ろしました。
I withdrew money at the bank.
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.". "下ろす" represents "to lower, to take down, to drop off, to withdraw (money)".