Translation guide
The English word "alighting" refers to getting off or out of a vehicle, or descending from something. In Japanese, the most common way to express this is with the verb 降りる (oriru), but the specific word choice depends on the type of vehicle and context.
To express the action of getting off or out of a vehicle such as a train, bus, car, or bicycle.
The most common and versatile verb for getting off or out of any vehicle. Can be used for trains, buses, cars, bicycles, etc.
次の駅で降ります。
I'll get off at the next station.
バスを降りたら、すぐに電話してください。
Please call me as soon as you get off the bus.
A more formal, written term specifically for getting off a train or bus. Often used in announcements or formal writing.
まもなく終点です。お忘れ物のないようご下車ください。
We will soon arrive at the last stop. Please make sure you don't leave anything behind when alighting.
To specifically express getting out of a car or taxi.
Still the most natural choice for cars and taxis in everyday speech.
ここで降りてもいいですか？
Can I get out here?
To express getting off something you ride on top of, like a horse or bicycle.
Used for dismounting from bicycles, horses, and similar.
自転車を降りて、歩きましょう。
Let's get off our bikes and walk.
To express getting off an airplane, especially in formal or aviation contexts.
A formal term used specifically for disembarking from an aircraft. Rare in everyday conversation.
到着後、順次ご降機ください。
Please disembark in order after arrival.
For ships, use 下船する (gesen suru) or 上陸する (jōriku suru) depending on context. 降りる is not natural for large vessels.
Use を (wo) to mark the vehicle you are getting off: 電車を降りる (densha wo oriru). Use で (de) to mark the place: 駅で降りる (eki de oriru).