Translation guide
The English phrase "pin down" has several distinct meanings, from physically restraining someone to precisely identifying or confirming something. This guide breaks down the most common uses and provides natural Japanese equivalents.
To hold someone firmly so they cannot move, often by force.
Literally 'press and hold down'. Commonly used for physically restraining someone.
He pinned the struggling man down to the floor.
To seize and hold down, often used when subduing a criminal or suspect.
The police pinned down the suspect.
Literally 'make unable to move'. A more general way to describe immobilizing someone.
He pinned down his opponent and then fled.
To pressure someone into committing to something or providing specific information.
To make something clear; often used when you want someone to clarify their stance or answer.
We need to pin down his opinion.
To make someone promise or commit. Useful when pinning down a commitment.
To corner someone, often used in a confrontational context. Can imply aggressive questioning.
To figure out the exact nature, cause, or details of something.
To identify or specify. The most direct equivalent for pinning down a fact, cause, or detail.
It's difficult to pin down the cause of the problem.
To track down or ascertain, often after investigation. Implies effort to find something elusive.
To grasp accurately. Used for understanding a situation or concept precisely.
To fasten or hold something firmly so it doesn't move.
The English phrase "pin down" is highly idiomatic. Directly translating it as ピンで留める (pin de tomeru) only works for the physical fastening sense. For other meanings, use the appropriate Japanese expressions listed above.
I pinned him down to a promise to reply by next week.
The reporter pinned down the minister and got the truth.
The police pinned down the culprit's location.
It's hard to pin down his intentions.
I pinned down the papers so they wouldn't blow away.