Translation guide
The English phrasal verb "carry off" has several distinct meanings. This guide breaks them down by intended meaning, from most common to niche, with natural Japanese equivalents.
To lift and move something or someone away from a place.
Literally 'carry and leave'. Used for physically transporting objects away.
泥棒は金庫を運び去った。
The thief carried off the safe.
Emphasizes taking something away, often with a sense of removal or theft.
犯人は現金を持ち去った。
The culprit carried off the cash.
Used specifically for carrying off a person or animal, often against their will.
誘拐犯は子供を連れ去った。
The kidnapper carried off the child.
To manage to do something successfully, especially when it seems hard or unlikely.
A common, slightly casual way to say 'pull off' or 'carry off' a difficult task.
彼は難しい役をやってのけた。
He carried off the difficult role.
More formal; emphasizes accomplishment of a significant task.
Means to handle or manage something skillfully; often used for performances or tasks.
新人なのに、彼はプレゼンをうまくこなした。
Even though he's a newcomer, he carried off the presentation well.
To win or be awarded something like a prize or trophy.
Standard term for 'win' or 'acquire' an award.
彼は最優秀賞を獲得した。
He carried off the top prize.
Specifically means 'to receive a prize/award'.
その映画はアカデミー賞を受賞した。
The film carried off an Academy Award.
To cause someone to die, especially of a disease.
Literally 'take a life'; a common way to say a disease carried someone off.
その疫病は多くの命を奪った。
The plague carried off many lives.
Causative form of 'die'; straightforward but less literary.
その病気は彼を死なせた。
The illness carried him off.
To take something or someone away illegally or by force.
Do not translate 'carry off' word-for-word as 運ぶ (carry) + オフ (off). The meaning changes completely depending on context. Use the appropriate Japanese expression for the intended meaning.
彼女は不可能と思われた計画を成し遂げた。
She carried off the plan that was thought impossible.