Meaning and Usage
The verb 下げる (さげる) means "to lower" or "to reduce" something physically or figuratively. It is a transitive verb, so it always takes a direct object.
Common Contexts
You often hear 下げる used when talking about lowering temperatures, prices, or physical objects like heads or flags. It can also be used in polite or formal contexts, such as bowing (lowering one's head).
Collocations and Patterns
- 温度を下げる: to lower the temperature
- 値段を下げる: to reduce the price
- 頭を下げる: to bow (literally "lower the head")
Usage Tips
下げる is often contrasted with 上げる (あげる), which means "to raise" or "to lift." Be careful not to confuse these two. Also, when using 下げる with prices or requests, it often implies negotiation or politeness.
Common Mistake
Learners sometimes confuse 下げる with 下がる (さがる), which is intransitive and means "to go down" or "to drop" by itself. Remember 下げる requires a direct object to lower.