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.
荷物を机の上に置いてください。
Please put your luggage down on the desk.
I put down the pen.
To lower something, often from a carrying position. Implies putting down something heavy or from a height.
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.
I put the luggage down from the car.
To record something in writing
To jot down, note down. Emphasizes recording for later.
I put down my ideas in a notebook.
Simple 'write'. Can be used for putting down words on paper.
To fill in, enter (on a form). Formal, used for documents.
Please put down the necessary information.
To stop a revolt or protest by force
To criticize or make someone feel small
To lay a baby down to sleep
To put (a child) to sleep. The standard expression.
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.
Different verbs for different meanings.
Please put down your name.
政府は抗議を抑えようとした。
The government tried to put down the protests.
彼女は他人を見下す傾向がある。
She tends to put others down.
彼は私の意見をバカにした。
He put down my opinion.