Translation and Meaning of: 下がる - sagaru

The Japanese word 下がる (sagaru) is a common verb in everyday life, but its meaning goes beyond a simple translation. In this article, we will explore what it represents, how it is used in different contexts, and even some curiosities about its origin and writing. Whether you are studying Japanese or just curious about the language, understanding 下がる can help expand your vocabulary in a practical way.

Besides the basic meaning, we will see how this word appears in everyday situations, from informal conversations to more formal expressions. Suki Nihongo, the best online Japanese dictionary, provides real usage examples, and here you will discover how to apply them. Shall we begin?

Meaning and use of 下がる

下がる (sagaru) means "to descend," "to lower," or "to retreat," depending on the context. It is a verb that describes movement downwards or separation, whether physical or figurative. For example, when the temperature drops, the Japanese say 温度が下がる (ondo ga sagaru). Similarly, if someone asks you to "take a step back," they might use 下がってください (sagatte kudasai).

The interesting thing is that 下がる is not limited to objects or people. Prices can "drop" (値段が下がる - nedan ga sagaru), grades can "fall" (成績が下がる - seiseki ga sagaru), and even someone's mood can "decline" (気分が下がる - kibun ga sagaru). This versatility makes it a very useful word for those learning Japanese.

Origin and writing of kanji

The kanji 下, present in 下がる, is one of the first that students learn. It represents the idea of "below" or "inferior" and appears in many other words, such as 下着 (undergarments) and 地下 (underground). Its origin comes from the pictographic representation of something that is below a line, reinforcing the sense of descent or lower position.

The verb 下がる itself combines this kanji with the suffix がる, which indicates action. Although there are other verbs with similar meanings, such as 下る (kudaru), the difference lies in usage: 下がる tends to have a more active sense, while 下る is more commonly used in contexts like "descending a mountain" (山を下る - yama o kudaru).

Tips for memorizing and using correctly

An effective way to 下がる is to associate it with concrete situations. Think of something that is going down, like an elevator, or someone stepping back in a discussion. Phrases like エレベーターが下がる (the elevator is going down) or 彼は一歩下がった (he took a step back) help to reinforce the meaning.

Another tip is to pay attention to the compounds in which 下 appears. Words like 下降 (kakou - descent) and 低下 (teika - decline) share the same root, making learning easier. In Suki Nihongo, you can find real usage examples, making it easier to incorporate 下がる into your active vocabulary.