Translation guide
The English word 'nosedive' can refer to a literal steep downward plunge (like an aircraft) or a figurative sudden sharp decline (in value, quality, etc.). This guide covers both meanings and provides natural Japanese equivalents.
Describing a physical object, especially an aircraft, diving nose-first.
The most direct and common term for a steep dive or plunge, used for aircraft, birds, etc. Can be used as a noun or with する to form a verb.
The airplane went into a nosedive.
The hawk nosedives toward its prey.
Verb form of 急降下. Often used in news or descriptive contexts.
The fighter jet nosedived and attacked.
Literally 'sudden fall', often used for stocks or prices, but can also describe a physical plunge. Less common for aircraft than 急降下.
Stock prices nosedived.
Loanword from English 'dive', used in sports or casual contexts. Not typically used for aircraft nosedives.
He dove into the pool.
Describing a sudden and severe drop in value, quality, reputation, etc.
The standard term for a sharp drop in numbers, prices, or ratings. Works as a noun or with する.
His popularity took a nosedive.
Implies a more dramatic, often catastrophic crash, like a market collapse. Stronger than 急落.
While primarily literal, it can be used metaphorically for a sudden decline, especially in quality or performance.
Colloquial term for a sudden drop, often used for reputation or popularity. Has a nuance of 'plummeting'.
A simple, non-idiomatic way to say 'fall suddenly'. Not as impactful as other options.
The temperature nosedived.
急落 (kyuuraku) is a sharp drop, while 暴落 (bouraku) is a crash or collapse. Use 暴落 for extreme, often panic-driven declines, and 急落 for significant but less catastrophic drops.
Do not translate 'nosedive' literally as 鼻潜り (hanamoguri) or similar; it is not used in Japanese. Stick to the terms above.
Sales are nosediving.
株価が暴落した。
Stock prices nosedived (crashed).
The team's performance nosedived.
あの政治家の支持率ががた落ちだ。
That politician's approval rating has nosedived.