Translation guide
The English phrasal verb "take down" has several distinct meanings. This guide covers the most common ones for learners: physically removing something from a high place, writing something down, disassembling something, and defeating or humbling someone. Each meaning has different natural Japanese expressions.
To take something down from a wall, shelf, or elevated position.
General verb for removing something that is attached or hung, like a picture or notice.
壁から絵を外した。
I took the picture down from the wall.
Used for taking down something from a high place, like luggage from a shelf or a sign from above.
棚から荷物を降ろした。
I took the luggage down from the shelf.
To detach or remove something that is fixed, like a poster or a curtain. Slightly more formal than 外す.
ポスターを取り外した。
I took down the poster.
To record information in writing, such as notes or a message.
To jot down or note something so you don't forget. Common for messages, ideas, or details.
伝言を書き留めました。
I took down the message.
Casual, from English 'memo'. Very common in spoken Japanese for taking quick notes.
電話番号をメモして。
Take down the phone number.
To record officially or for documentation. More formal, used in business or academic contexts.
会議の内容を記録した。
I took down the contents of the meeting.
To take apart a structure, tent, or equipment.
To dismantle or take apart something like a building, tent, or machine. Formal but widely used.
テントを解体した。
We took down the tent.
To put away or clear up. Used for taking down and storing things like decorations or camping gear.
クリスマスの飾りを片付けた。
I took down the Christmas decorations.
To disassemble into parts, often for machinery or furniture. Technical nuance.
棚を分解して運んだ。
I took down the shelf and carried it.
To defeat someone decisively or to lower their pride.
To defeat or beat someone thoroughly in a competition or fight.
彼はチャンピオンを打ち負かした。
He took down the champion.
Idiom meaning to humble someone or take them down a peg. Literally 'break someone's nose'.
To bring down or defeat an opponent, often in a physical or competitive sense.
Do not translate 'take down' literally as 取って下ろす or similar. It is a phrasal verb with multiple meanings that require different Japanese verbs depending on context.
彼の傲慢な態度に鼻を折ってやった。
I took him down a peg for his arrogant attitude.
He took down his opponent with one blow.