Translation guide
The English phrase "pull down" has several distinct meanings, from physically lowering something to demolishing a building or earning money informally. This guide covers the most common ways to express each meaning in natural Japanese.
To grasp something and move it in a downward direction, such as a handle, blinds, or a lever.
General verb for pulling something down, often used for blinds, levers, or objects from a height.
Please pull down the blinds.
Often used for pulling down a lever, switch, or something that moves along a track. Slightly more formal than 引き下ろす.
Please pull down the lever.
Simple verb for lowering something, like a window or a screen. Can also mean 'to bring down'.
Could you pull down the window?
To destroy or dismantle a building, wall, or other structure.
Standard verb for demolishing a building or structure. Implies intentional dismantling.
We plan to pull down the old house.
General verb for breaking or destroying. Can be used for pulling down structures, but less specific than 取り壊す.
Formal or technical term for dismantling or demolishing, often used in construction contexts.
That building will be pulled down next month.
To pull a garment downward, such as a skirt, pants, or sleeves.
To earn a certain amount of money, often used in casual or slang contexts.
To cause someone to feel sad, depressed, or discouraged.
To click and drag a menu or list downward on a screen.
The English phrase 'pull down' used for emotional states (e.g., 'That really pulled me down') does not translate literally. Use 落ち込ませる or 気分を沈ませる instead of a direct translation of 'pull'.
When talking about buildings, use 取り壊す for demolition. For physically lowering something like a lever or blinds, use 引き下ろす or 引き下げる. Confusing these can lead to misunderstandings.
He pulled down the old shed.
Pull down the window shade, please.
She pulls down a six-figure salary.
壁を壊して部屋を広くした。
We pulled down a wall to make the room bigger.
Please pull down your sleeves.
彼はいい給料を手に入れている。
He pulls down a good salary.