Translation guide
The English phrase "shake down" has several distinct meanings. This guide covers the most common uses: extorting money, testing something new, searching thoroughly, and causing something to fall by shaking.
To get money from someone using threats or force.
The most common verb for extorting money. It implies threatening to reveal secrets or cause harm unless paid.
彼は上司をゆすって金を巻き上げた。
He shook down his boss for money.
A more formal term for extortion or blackmail, often used in legal contexts.
彼は恐喝の容疑で逮捕された。
He was arrested on suspicion of extortion.
Specifically refers to collecting protection money, often by yakuza or gangs.
その店はみかじめ料を取られていた。
That shop was being shaken down for protection money.
To test a new system, vehicle, or equipment to make sure it works properly.
Literally 'test run', used for vehicles, machines, or systems.
新しい電車を試運転している。
They are shaking down the new train.
A general loanword for testing, widely understood.
新しいソフトをテストしている。
We're shaking down the new software.
Specifically for breaking in a new engine or machine gently.
新車を慣らし運転している。
I'm shaking down my new car.
To search a person or place very carefully, often for hidden items.
Means 'to investigate thoroughly', suitable for searching a place or person.
警察がアパートを徹底的に調べた。
The police shook down the apartment.
Formal term for a search, often used by authorities.
税関が船を捜索した。
Customs shook down the ship.
Means 'to search every nook and cranny', emphasizing thoroughness.
部屋を隅々まで探した。
I shook down the room.
To make something fall or settle by shaking it.
To shake something off or down, like fruit from a tree.
彼は木を揺すってリンゴを振り落とした。
He shook down the apples from the tree.
A more literal 'shake and drop', can be used for various objects.
テーブルクロスを揺すってパンくずを落とした。
I shook down the tablecloth to get the crumbs off.
Do not translate 'shake down' literally as 振り下ろす or 揺すり倒す. These are not natural Japanese for any of the meanings above.