Translation guide
To shoot down means to bring down an aircraft, missile, or other flying object with weapons fire. It can also be used figuratively to mean rejecting or defeating an idea, proposal, or person decisively.
To destroy or force an aircraft, drone, or missile to fall by firing weapons.
The standard term for shooting down an aircraft or missile in military or news contexts.
敵の戦闘機を撃墜した。
They shot down an enemy fighter plane.
The missile was intercepted and shot down.
Literally 'strike down', used for shooting down flying objects, often with a nuance of hitting with projectiles.
猟師が鳥を打ち落とした。
The hunter shot down the bird.
Similar to 打ち落とす but with the kanji for 'shoot', emphasizing firearms.
兵士がドローンを撃ち落とした。
The soldier shot down the drone.
To strongly reject, dismiss, or defeat an argument, plan, or suggestion.
Formal term for rejecting a proposal, motion, or application. Common in business and official settings.
彼の提案はすぐに却下された。
His proposal was shot down immediately.
To deny or negate an idea or claim. Less forceful than 'shoot down' but widely used.
彼女はその理論を真っ向から否定した。
She shot down that theory head-on.
To defeat someone in an argument, to refute completely. Conveys the sense of shooting down someone's logic.
彼は相手の意見を論破した。
He shot down his opponent's opinion.
To reject out of hand, to brush aside. Strong and somewhat literary.
社長はその案を一蹴した。
The president shot down that plan.
To decisively defeat or humiliate someone, often in a competition or argument.
To defeat or beat someone thoroughly. Can be used in sports, debates, or conflicts.
彼はライバルを完全に打ち負かした。
He completely shot down his rival.
To beat someone up or defeat them decisively; more violent or intense nuance.
When using 'shoot down' figuratively, avoid directly translating with 撃墜する unless the context is clearly metaphorical and understood. For rejecting ideas, use 却下する or 否定する instead.
打ち落とす can be used for hitting down with any object (e.g., a stick), while 撃ち落とす specifically implies shooting with a firearm or projectile weapon. In modern contexts, 撃墜する is preferred for aircraft and missiles.
議論で彼を叩きのめしてやった。
I shot him down in the debate.