Translation guide
The English word "undercut" has several distinct meanings. This guide covers the most common uses: to sell at a lower price, to weaken or undermine, and to cut from below. It also includes a few specialized meanings.
To offer goods or services at a lower price than a competitor.
A straightforward way to say 'sell cheaply'. It implies undercutting by offering a lower price.
That store always sells cheaper than others.
Literally 'to fall below the price'. Used in business contexts to mean undercutting a competitor's price.
競合他社の価格を下回る戦略をとった。
They adopted a strategy of undercutting competitors' prices.
From English 'dumping'. Refers to selling at an extremely low price, often below cost, to eliminate competition. Has a negative connotation.
ダンピング行為は国際貿易で問題になる。
Dumping practices become an issue in international trade.
To make something less effective, powerful, or successful, often in a subtle or indirect way.
A general verb meaning 'to weaken'. Can be used for undercutting authority, arguments, or efforts.
彼の発言はチームの士気を弱めた。
His remarks undercut the team's morale.
Means 'to harm, damage, or impair'. Often used for undercutting trust, reputation, or effectiveness.
Literally 'cut and break down'. Used for undercutting an opponent's position, support, or unity, often in political or strategic contexts.
To cut away the lower part of something, such as a tree or a piece of material.
A simple, literal phrase meaning 'cut from below'. Used in physical contexts.
木を下から切って倒した。
He undercut the tree and felled it.
Loanword from English. Used in specific fields like hairdressing (undercut hairstyle) or sports (a type of shot).
彼はアンダーカットの髪型にした。
He got an undercut hairstyle.
When 'undercut' means to weaken or undermine, do not use 下から切る. That is only for physical cutting. Use 弱める or 損なう instead.
そのスキャンダルは彼の信頼を損なった。
The scandal undercut his credibility.
野党は与党の支持基盤を切り崩そうとした。
The opposition tried to undercut the ruling party's support base.