Translation guide
The English verb 'descend' covers physical movement downward, figurative decline, and sudden arrivals. Japanese uses different verbs depending on what is descending and the context.
To go or come down from a higher place to a lower one, such as stairs, a mountain, or a ladder.
General verb for descending from a vehicle, stairs, or a high place. Focuses on the act of getting off or down.
To go down a slope, road, or river. Emphasizes moving along a downward path.
To move backward or downward, often for things like temperature, prices, or position. Intransitive.
The temperature descends (drops).
Formal or technical term for descent, such as an aircraft or parachute.
The airplane began its descent.
To sink to a lower level in quality, morality, or condition.
To fall or drop, used for decline in status, quality, or mood.
Formal term for a decline in ability, standard, or value.
The standard of living descended (declined).
To fall from grace or descend into a bad state, often morally or socially.
He descended into a life of ruin.
To come down upon suddenly, often in large numbers or with force.
To surge or descend upon in crowds, like tourists or invaders.
Tourists descended on the town.
To attack or descend upon with violence or misfortune.
To rush in or descend upon like an avalanche, often used for crowds entering a place.
To originate from an ancestor or earlier form.
降りる (oriru) is for getting off a vehicle or descending stairs/ladders. 下る (kudaru) is for going down a slope, road, or river. Do not confuse them.
I go down by elevator. (降りる is correct)
I go down the hill. (下る is correct)
English 'descend' often sounds formal or literary. In everyday Japanese, use the specific verb that matches the action. Avoid directly translating 'descend' as 降下する unless in technical contexts.
Enemies descended on the village.
Fans descended upon the venue.