Translation guide
The English phrase "get off" has multiple meanings, from physically dismounting a vehicle to avoiding punishment. This guide organizes the most useful Japanese equivalents by intended meaning.
To physically leave a bus, train, bicycle, horse, etc.
General verb for getting off any vehicle or animal. Intransitive.
Formal or written term for getting off a train or bus. Often used in announcements.
ここで下車してください。
Please get off here.
To take off clothes, shoes, accessories, etc.
Used for removing clothes, shoes, socks, etc. Transitive.
靴を脱いでください。
Please take off your shoes.
コートを脱いだ。
I took off my coat.
Used for removing accessories like glasses, watches, or detachable items.
眼鏡を外す
take off glasses
To finish one's working hours and leave the workplace.
Literally "work ends". Natural way to say you get off work.
今日は何時に仕事が終わりますか。
What time do you get off work today?
Formal term for leaving the office at the end of the workday.
定時に退社する
get off work on time
To escape without serious penalty for a wrongdoing.
Literally "escape punishment". Used in serious contexts.
彼は罰を免れた。
He got off without punishment.
To get off without a reprimand or blame. Casual nuance.
今回はおとがめなしで済んだ。
I got off without a scolding this time.
To leave or set out on a trip.
To remove one's hands or presence from something, often as a command.
Literally "release one's hand". Used when telling someone to let go.
その荷物から手を離しなさい。
Get off that luggage!
Casual command meaning "move" or "get off (a spot)".
そこ、どいて。
Get off that spot.
To manage to fall asleep, especially with difficulty.
To dispatch or mail something.
English uses "get off" for buses, trains, etc., but Japanese uses 降りる (おりる) with the particle を. Do not use 取る (とる) or other verbs meaning "get".
降りる is the everyday verb for getting off any vehicle. 下車する is formal and mainly used in written announcements or polite speech for trains and buses.