Translation guide
The English phrasal verb "put down" has many meanings. This guide covers the most common ones for learners: placing something down, writing something, suppressing a rebellion, insulting someone, and putting a baby to bed. Each meaning has natural Japanese equivalents.
To put something you are holding onto a surface
General verb for placing something somewhere. Use with particle に for the location.
Please put your luggage down on the desk.
ペンを置いた。
I put down the pen.
To lower something, often from a carrying position. Implies putting down something heavy or from a height.
スーツケースを床に下ろした。
I put the suitcase down on the floor.
To unload or take down (e.g., from a vehicle). Often written with this kanji for unloading.
荷物を車から降ろした。
I put the luggage down from the car.
To record something in writing
To jot down, note down. Emphasizes recording for later.
アイデアをノートに書き留めた。
I put down my ideas in a notebook.
Simple 'write'. Can be used for putting down words on paper.
名前を書いてください。
Please put down your name.
To fill in, enter (on a form). Formal, used for documents.
必要事項を記入してください。
Please put down the necessary information.
To stop a revolt or protest by force
To suppress, quell (a riot, rebellion). Standard term.
軍隊が反乱を鎮圧した。
The army put down the rebellion.
To hold down, suppress. Can be used for controlling opposition.
政府は抗議を抑えようとした。
The government tried to put down the protests.
To criticize or make someone feel small
To speak ill of, disparage. Common for putting someone down verbally.
彼はいつも私のことをけなす。
He always puts me down.
To look down on, despise. Emphasizes a superior attitude.
To make fun of, treat as stupid. Casual.
To lay a baby down to sleep
To put (a child) to sleep. The standard expression.
赤ちゃんをベッドに寝かせた。
I put the baby down in the crib.
The English 'put down' is a phrasal verb with many meanings. Do not assume a single Japanese word covers all uses. Always match the meaning to the context.
本を置く (put a book down) vs. 名前を書く (put down a name)
Different verbs for different meanings.
彼女は他人を見下す傾向がある。
She tends to put others down.
He put down my opinion.