Meaning and Usage
The verb 降ろす (おろす) primarily means "to take down" or "to lower" something from a higher place to a lower place. It is often used when unloading luggage, cargo, or objects from vehicles or elevated positions. It can also mean "to launch" a boat or ship into the water.
Common Contexts
- Unloading items from cars, trucks, or shelves.
- Putting down a child or object that was being held or carried.
- Launching boats or ships into water.
Collocations and Patterns
- 荷物を降ろす: to unload luggage or cargo.
- 車から降ろす: to take down from a car.
- 抱っこから降ろす: to put down a baby or child from being held.
- 船を海に降ろす: to launch a boat into the sea.
Register and Nuance
降ろす is a common, neutral verb used in everyday conversation and writing. It is more specific than 下ろす (also read おろす), which can have broader meanings including "to withdraw" money or "to lower" in a more abstract sense. When referring to physically taking something down or unloading, 降ろす is the preferred kanji.
Common Mistakes
Learners sometimes confuse 降ろす with 下ろす because both are read おろす and can mean "to take down." Remember that 降ろす is used for physical lowering or unloading, while 下ろす can also mean "to withdraw money" or "to cut hair." Context and kanji choice help clarify meaning.