Translation guide
The English word 'lower' can be a verb, adjective, or comparative form. This guide covers how to express its core meanings naturally in Japanese, organized by use.
To cause something to go to a lower position or level.
Transitive verb meaning to lower something physically or reduce a level/amount.
Please lower the volume.
Transitive verb for lowering something from a higher place, like a blind or a load.
Phrase meaning to make something low, often used for height or level.
I lowered the height of the chair.
To decrease a number, price, quality, or strength.
Used for lowering prices, rates, volume, etc.
To go to a lower position, like sitting or crouching.
Intransitive verb meaning to step back, drop, or go down.
Describing something that is below something else in height or status.
Attributive form meaning 'lower' or 'below', used before nouns.
Comparing two things where one has a smaller amount or degree.
Pattern using より (than) + 低い (low) to mean 'lower than'.
The transitive verb 下げる means to lower something else. To express lowering your own body, use intransitive verbs like 下がる or phrases like 腰を下ろす.
下げる is general for lowering or reducing. 下ろす often implies lowering something from a higher place (e.g., blinds, a load from a truck) or taking something down.
He lowered the flag.
I lowered the blinds.
The store lowered the prices.
He spoke in a lowered voice.
To reduce quantity or number, often used for costs, risks, etc.
We need to lower costs.
Formal or technical term for causing a decline in quality, performance, etc.
The medicine lowers blood pressure.
He lowered himself back.
To sit down, literally 'lower one's hips'.
He lowered himself onto the chair.
To crouch or squat down.
He lowered himself to tie his shoelaces.
I live on the lower floor.
The lower part is broken.
Adjective meaning low in height, status, or degree.
a shelf at a lower position
This chair is lower than that one.
Today's temperature is lower than yesterday's.
For countable or measurable amounts, meaning 'fewer/less than'.
This year's income is lower than last year's.