Translation guide
How to express 'slip down' in Japanese, covering physical slipping downward, clothes slipping off, and metaphorical decline.
Describing a person or object sliding down a surface due to loss of traction or balance.
The most direct and common way to say 'slip down', combining 'slip' (滑る) and 'fall/drop' (落ちる). Used for slipping down slopes, stairs, etc.
He slipped down the stairs.
I lost my footing on the rocks and slipped down.
Emphasizes a slow, gradual slipping down, often used for objects like pants or bags sliding down, but can also apply to people sliding down a slope.
The bag slipped down from my shoulder.
Means 'tumble down' or 'roll down', implying a more violent or uncontrolled fall, often rolling over. Used for slipping and tumbling down a hill or stairs.
He tumbled down the slope.
Describing when an item of clothing unintentionally slides down the body.
The most common verb for clothes slipping down, especially pants or skirts. Often used with 'パンツが' or 'スカートが'.
My pants are slipping down.
A general verb meaning 'to hang down' or 'to drop'. For clothes, it implies they are sliding down or sagging. Often used with 'ズボンが下がる'.
Simply means 'to fall'. Can be used for clothes falling down completely, like a skirt falling to the ground, but less common for gradual slipping.
Describing a drop in status, quality, or position, similar to 'slip down' in English.
Used metaphorically for falling in rank, grades, or performance. Often combined with '順位が' (ranking) or '成績が' (grades).
He slipped down to 10th place.
Means 'to go down' or 'to drop'. Used for a decline in quality, temperature, or position. More neutral than 落ちる.
A formal term meaning 'to decline' or 'to deteriorate', used for abstract things like morale, quality, or ability.
Morale slipped down.
I tightened my belt so my skirt wouldn't slip down.
ズボンが下がってきた。
My trousers are slipping down.
My skirt fell down.
My grades slipped down.