How to say "descent" in Japanese
Choosing the right word
- 降下こうかnoun, suru verb, intransitive verbDescent or lowering through the air, as of an aircraft gradually coming down or of atmospheric pressure falling. It emphasizes a controlled downward movement rather than an uncontrolled fall.
- 下降かこうnoun, suru verb, intransitive verbDescent or decline, covering both physical downward movement and figurative falling such as a decline in numbers or condition. It is the neutral choice for gradual downward change.
- 落下らっかnoun, suru verb, intransitive verbA fall or drop of something coming down under gravity, such as an object falling from a height. For 'descent' it fits when the motion is a fall or coming down rather than a controlled, gradual descent.
- 下山げざんnoun, suru verb, intransitive verbSpecifically descending a mountain after climbing it. When 'descent' means coming down from a mountain, this is the natural word, but it is not used for descent in any other sense.
- 下り坂くだりざかnounA downhill slope or the descent portion of a road or path. It refers to the slope itself or a stretch of downward terrain, not to the act of descending, so it suits only this narrow sense.
Choose by context: 下降 for downward movement or decline, 落下 for falling, 降下 for gradual descent, 下山 for descending a mountain, and 「下り坂」 for a downhill slope.
Usage comparisons are AI-assisted and cross-checked by multiple models; for study reference only
Japanese equivalents
See also
This browser can't play pronunciations (needs Safari 18.4 or later, or Chrome / Edge / Firefox).
