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.
To make something less effective, powerful, or successful, often in a subtle or indirect way.
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.
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.
That store always sells cheaper than others.
Literally 'to fall below the price'. Used in business contexts to mean undercutting a competitor's price.
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.
Dumping practices become an issue in international trade.
A general verb meaning 'to weaken'. Can be used for undercutting authority, arguments, or efforts.
His remarks undercut the team's morale.
Means 'to harm, damage, or impair'. Often used for undercutting trust, reputation, or effectiveness.
The scandal undercut his credibility.
Literally 'cut and break down'. Used for undercutting an opponent's position, support, or unity, often in political or strategic contexts.
The opposition tried to undercut the ruling party's support base.
He undercut the tree and felled it.
Loanword from English. Used in specific fields like hairdressing (undercut hairstyle) or sports (a type of shot).
He got an undercut hairstyle.