Translation guide
How to express 'putting down' in Japanese, covering physical placement, suppression, writing, and other uses.
To put something down onto a surface, such as a bag, a book, or a cup.
The most common and general verb for placing or putting something down. Used for objects you leave in a place.
I put my bag down on the desk.
ここに荷物を置いてもいいですか。
May I put my luggage down here?
To put down something you are carrying, especially from a higher position (e.g., from your shoulder or hands). Often used for loads, luggage, or a child you were holding.
重い荷物を床に下ろした。
I put the heavy luggage down on the floor.
子どもを抱っこから下ろした。
I put the child down (from carrying in my arms).
To write something down, record, or note.
To write down or note something so you don't forget. Often used for important information.
彼の電話番号を手帳に書き留めた。
I wrote down his phone number in my notebook.
To jot down or take a memo. Casual and common in spoken Japanese.
要点をメモしてください。
Please write down the main points.
To fill in or write down on a form or document. More formal.
必要事項を記入してください。
Please fill in the required information.
To put down a rebellion, riot, or opposition.
To suppress or put down by force, typically used for riots, uprisings, or rebellions.
警察が暴動を鎮圧した。
The police put down the riot.
To hold down, suppress, or control. Can be used for emotions, prices, or opposition, but less forceful than 鎮圧する.
反対意見を抑えるのは難しい。
It's difficult to put down opposing opinions.
To put an animal to sleep or euthanize.
To euthanize, literally 'to make die peacefully'. Used for pets or animals.
老犬を安楽死させる決断をした。
We made the decision to put down our old dog.
To cull or put down animals, often used in contexts of animal control or shelters. Can sound bureaucratic.
その犬は殺処分された。
The dog was put down (by authorities).
To hang up or put down the phone.
To hang up the phone. The most common way to say 'put down the phone' in the sense of ending a call.
電話を切った。
I put down the phone (hung up).
Literally 'to place the receiver'. Used for old-style landline phones. Not used for mobile phones.
彼は静かに受話器を置いた。
He quietly put down the receiver.
To criticize, belittle, or disparage someone.
To speak ill of, run down, or disparage. Common in casual conversation.
彼はいつも私のことをけなす。
He always puts me down.
To look down on, despise, or treat with contempt. Focuses on the attitude of superiority.
To make fun of, ridicule, or treat someone as stupid. Very common in spoken Japanese.
To pay a deposit or make a down payment.
To pay a down payment. 頭金 means down payment, and 払う means to pay.
車の頭金を払った。
I put down a deposit on the car.
To pay a deposit (earnest money), often used in real estate or large purchases.
家の手付金を払った。
I put down a deposit on the house.
English 'put down' covers many meanings. Do not assume a single Japanese verb works for all. Always match the verb to the specific action or nuance.
本を置く (put a book down) vs. 反乱を鎮圧する (put down a rebellion)
Different verbs for different contexts.
彼女は他人を見下す傾向がある。
She tends to put others down.
そんなことを言うと、彼を馬鹿にしているように聞こえる。
Saying that sounds like you're putting him down.