ichidan verb, intransitive verb
Physical movement from a higher place to a lower place, such as descending a mountain, stairs, or a slope. 下りる is often used for this sense.
山を降りるのに三時間かかった。
It took three hours to descend the mountain.
階段
Please use the handrail when going down the stairs.
ichidan verb, intransitive verb
Getting off a vehicle such as a bus, train, or horse. 降りる is the typical kanji for this sense.
次の停留所でバスを降りてください。
Please get off the bus at the next stop.
彼は馬から降りて、歩き始めた。
He dismounted from the horse and started walking.
ichidan verb, intransitive verb
Leaving a position, role, or competition; quitting or retiring. Often used with 役職, ポスト, 試合, etc.
社長は責任を取って役職を降りた。
The president took responsibility and stepped down from the position.
彼は怪我のため試合を降りることにした。
He decided to withdraw from the match due to injury.
ichidan verb, intransitive verb
be granted; be issued; be given
Receiving something official such as a permit, license, or visa. 下りる is especially common for this sense, emphasizing something coming down from authority.
やっとビザが下りた。
The visa was finally issued.
許可が下りるまで待たなければならない。
We have to wait until permission is granted.
ichidan verb, intransitive verb
Natural phenomena such as frost, dew, or mist appearing. 降りる is the typical kanji.
今朝は霜が降りていた。
Frost had formed this morning.
夜になると霧が降りることがある。
Mist sometimes settles at night.
ichidan verb, intransitive verb
be passed; be expelled
Rare, specific use for something being passed from the body, such as a parasite. 下りる is the typical kanji. Often seen in medical or traditional contexts.
See also: 下り物
回虫が下りたという記録が残っている。
There is a record that a roundworm was passed.