Translation guide
The English phrasal verb "throw off" has several distinct meanings. This guide organizes them by practical use, from physical removal to disrupting or confusing someone.
To take off an item of clothing hastily or casually.
Literally 'take off and discard', implying a quick, careless removal. Often used for coats, jackets, or shoes.
He threw off his coat.
Means 'to take off quickly'. More neutral than 脱ぎ捨てる, without the 'discard' nuance.
She threw off her hat.
To free oneself from a burden, illness, or negative feeling.
Literally 'shake off'. Used for abstract things like sleepiness, fear, or a pursuer.
I threw off my drowsiness.
Means 'to slip out of' or 'escape from'. Used for摆脱 a bad habit, depression, or a situation.
Means 'to drive away' or 'chase off'. Used for pests, intruders, or unwanted thoughts.
To cause someone to make a mistake or lose their train of thought.
General term for 'to confuse'. Can be used when someone's rhythm or concentration is disrupted.
His question threw me off.
Literally 'to throw off someone's rhythm'. Very natural for sports, music, or any timed activity.
Means 'to deceive' or 'lead astray'. Stronger nuance of intentional misleading.
To produce and release something into the air.
To produce a piece of writing or music without much effort.
The English 'throw off' is highly idiomatic. Directly translating 'throw' (投げる) and 'off' (離れて) will not convey the intended meaning in Japanese. Always choose the appropriate phrase based on context.
彼はうつ状態から抜け出した。
He threw off his depression.
I threw off the dog.
The opposing pitcher threw off the batter's timing.
彼のうそが私を惑わした。
His lie threw me off.
花が強い香りを放っていた。
The flowers were throwing off a strong scent.
She threw off the report in one sitting.