Translation guide
The English verb 'shed' has several distinct meanings: to lose or cast off something naturally (skin, leaves, hair), to get rid of something unwanted (weight, inhibitions), to emit or radiate (light, tears), and to cause liquid to flow off (raincoat). This guide organizes these meanings for learners.
The snake shed its skin.
For animals shedding fur or feathers seasonally. Intransitive verb.
It's the season when cats shed their fur.
For trees shedding leaves. More formal/literary than 葉が落ちる.
In autumn, the trees shed their leaves.
Common everyday phrase for hair/fur falling out or shedding. Intransitive.
Our dog sheds a lot.
Simple, natural way to say leaves fall/shed. Intransitive.
This tree sheds its leaves in winter.
To express discarding or freeing oneself from something abstract or burdensome.
General verb for 'throw away' or 'discard', used for abstract things like habits, image, or past.
I want to shed my old image.
Literally 'to take off and throw away', used for shedding inhibitions, shyness, or old self. Stronger nuance.
Often used for shedding weight or dropping something unwanted. Transitive.
To shake off, leave behind (pursuer, doubt, hesitation). Implies forceful separation.
To describe something giving off light, or a person producing tears or blood.
To emit, release, or give off (light, aura, presence). Somewhat literary.
The lamp shed a soft light.
To shed (tears, blood). Common and natural.
To spill (tears). More poetic or emotional nuance than 流す.
To describe a material or surface that repels water.
English 'shed' is often translated with specific verbs depending on what is being shed. Using a single Japanese verb for all meanings will sound unnatural. Pay attention to the subject (animal, plant, person) and object (skin, hair, tears, weight).
脱皮する is for skin (reptiles, insects). 抜け替わる is for fur/feathers changing seasonally. 毛が抜ける is general hair loss/shedding. Use the right one for the context.
She shed her embarrassment and started dancing.
I'm looking for ways to shed weight.
迷いを振り切って、新しい仕事を始めた。
He shed his doubts and started a new job.
She shed tears.
Many soldiers shed blood.
He shed tears of frustration.
The umbrella sheds rain.