Translation guide
The English word "gutter" has several distinct meanings. This guide covers the most common ones: the channel for rainwater on a roof or street, the lowest social condition, and the bowling alley channel. It also includes related expressions like "gutter press" and the verb form.
The physical trough or channel that carries away rainwater, either along the edge of a roof or at the side of a road.
Specifically refers to a roof gutter or downspout. This is the most common term for the gutter on a house.
The gutter is clogged.
I have to clean the gutters.
Refers to a street gutter or drainage ditch at the side of a road. Commonly used for roadside drainage channels.
Fallen leaves are accumulating in the gutter.
My bicycle tire got stuck in the gutter.
A general word for a groove, ditch, or channel. Can be used for gutters but is broader. Often used in compound words.
Water is flowing in the gutter along the road.
Drainage ditch or gutter, emphasizing the function of draining water. More technical or formal.
Gutter cleaning must be done regularly.
A metaphor for a degraded or impoverished state, as in 'born in the gutter' or 'dragged through the gutter'.
Literally 'the very bottom', used figuratively for the lowest point in life, poverty, or despair. Closest natural equivalent for 'gutter' in this sense.
He pulled himself up from the gutter.
The lowest level or bottom rung of society. More formal and often used in social commentary.
people living in the gutter of society
To languish in poverty; a more literary way to describe gutter-like conditions.
He grew up in the gutter.
The trough on either side of a bowling lane that catches poorly aimed balls.
Sensationalist, low-quality newspapers or media, often focusing on scandal.
When a candle flame flickers and melts wax unevenly, often causing it to burn out.
Describes the candle flame flickering and about to go out. There is no single verb equivalent; this phrase captures the meaning.
The candle guttered in the wind.
The candle flame flickers unsteadily. Often used in literary contexts.
The candle guttered and then went out.
The English metaphor 'in the gutter' does not translate directly to 溝 (mizo) or 側溝 (sokkou). Use どん底 (donzoko) or similar expressions for the figurative meaning of extreme poverty or degradation.
He went from the gutter to success.
雨樋 (amadoi) is specifically for roof gutters, while 側溝 (sokkou) is for street gutters or drainage ditches. Do not confuse them.
Rain gutters are on roofs, street gutters are on roads.
He was born in the gutter but became a millionaire.
The gutter is overflowing with rainwater.
I hit rock bottom. (lit. experienced the gutter of life)