Translation guide
The English phrase "cut down" has several distinct meanings. This guide covers the most common uses for learners: reducing amount/consumption, physically cutting something to the ground, and killing someone. Each meaning has its own natural Japanese expressions.
To decrease the quantity, size, or frequency of something, such as expenses, smoking, or workload.
General verb meaning 'to reduce' or 'to decrease'. Used for quantities, numbers, frequency, etc.
タバコを減らしたい。
I want to cut down on cigarettes.
経費を減らす必要がある。
We need to cut down on expenses.
Means 'to refrain from' or 'to cut back on'. Often used for things like alcohol, sweets, or spending, implying self-restraint.
お酒を控えています。
I'm cutting down on alcohol.
甘いものを控えたほうがいい。
You should cut down on sweets.
Formal term for 'reduction' or 'cutback', often used in business or official contexts (budgets, costs, staff).
コストを削減する計画です。
It's a plan to cut down costs.
Literally 'reduce the amount'. Used when emphasizing the quantity of something.
食事の量を減らしています。
I'm cutting down on the amount of food I eat.
To fell a tree or similar tall object by cutting through its base.
The standard verb for felling a tree. Combines 'cut' (切る) and 'knock down' (倒す).
その木を切り倒さなければならない。
We have to cut down that tree.
彼は斧で木を切り倒した。
He cut down the tree with an axe.
Formal term for 'felling' or 'logging', used in forestry or official contexts.
森林を伐採する。
To cut down a forest.
To kill or severely wound a person, often in a violent or sudden manner.
Literally 'cut to death'. Used for killing with a blade.
侍が敵を切り殺した。
The samurai cut down his enemy.
Means 'shoot down' or 'gun down'. Used for killing with a firearm.
警官が犯人を撃ち倒した。
The police officer cut down the criminal.
To mow down or cut down many people at once, as with a sweeping blade or gunfire.
English 'cut down' is often used metaphorically (cut down on smoking). In Japanese, you cannot directly translate 'cut' (切る) for this meaning. Use 減らす or 控える instead.
タバコを切る
cut cigarettes (unnatural)
兵士たちは敵をなぎ倒した。
The soldiers cut down the enemy.