Translation guide
The English phrase "knock down" has several distinct meanings, from physically causing something to fall to reducing prices or even dismantling objects. This guide organizes the most common uses for learners, with natural Japanese equivalents for each.
To hit or push someone or something so that it falls to the ground.
General verb for knocking down or defeating an opponent or object. Transitive.
He knocked down his opponent with one punch.
The strong wind knocked down the tree.
Specifically to knock someone down by punching.
He knocked down the thug with his fists.
To mow down or knock down multiple things in a sweeping motion, like in a fight or storm.
The typhoon knocked down utility poles.
To intentionally destroy or tear down a building or wall.
To persuade a seller to lower the price of something.
To strike a pedestrian or cyclist with a car or other vehicle, causing them to fall.
To take apart something like furniture or equipment for storage or transport.
Directly translating "knock down" as ノックダウンする is usually unnatural in Japanese. Use the context-appropriate verbs above.
I knocked down the shelf and carried it.