Translation guide
To make a surface flat, even, or free of bumps, wrinkles, or roughness by pressing, rubbing, or stroking. This guide covers physical actions like smoothing hair, clothes, paper, or surfaces.
To press or rub something to make it flat, even, or free of irregularities.
General verb meaning to flatten, level, or smooth out a surface. Often used for soil, sand, or uneven surfaces.
Smooth down the ground.
Literally 'make flat'. Used when the goal is to achieve a flat, even surface.
I smoothed down the wrinkles in the paper.
Specifically for smoothing out wrinkles in fabric, paper, or skin.
I smoothed down the wrinkles in my shirt.
To use hands or a brush to make hair lie flat and tidy.
To smooth down hair by pressing or stroking, often with hands or a comb. Implies a deliberate action to flatten.
I smoothed down my hair to fix the bedhead.
To tidy or arrange hair, which often includes smoothing it down. More general than just flattening.
I smoothed down my hair in front of the mirror.
To stroke gently. Can be used for smoothing down hair or fur with a light touch.
To remove wrinkles or make fabric lie flat, often with hands or an iron.
The most common way to say 'smooth out wrinkles'. Works for clothes, paper, etc.
I smoothed down the wrinkles in my skirt with my hands.
To iron. The standard way to smooth clothes using an iron.
I ironed the shirt to smooth down the wrinkles.
To press down with hands. Used when you smooth fabric by pressing it flat.
The English phrase 'smooth down' does not have a single direct equivalent in Japanese. Choose the expression based on what is being smoothed and how.
猫の毛を撫でてなでつけた。
I smoothed down the cat's fur by stroking it.
I smoothed down my skirt that was blown up by the wind.