降ろす
orosu[o̞ɾo̞sɨ]
The English phrase "drop off" is translated into Japanese as 降ろす (orosu).
降ろす is a transitive verb used to mean delivering, depositing or leaving something or someone. It can be used for people, such as allowing passengers to alight from a vehicle or for inanimate objects like luggage or cargo, in which case it means to unload or set them down.
Meaning: to deliver, to deposit or leave, to allow passengers to alight (verb)
Which one should you use?
降ろす is a transitive verb used when you are the person performing the action of dropping someone or something off. This contrasts with 降りる, which is an intransitive verb used when a passenger is the one getting off or alighting from a vehicle themselves.
How does it change in a sentence?
The dictionary form 降ろす requires a direct object, representing the person or thing being dropped off. To express the nuance of dropping someone off as a favor or a service, you can add the auxiliary verb あげる to the te-form, resulting in 降ろしてあげる.
How do you pronounce it?
orosu
Did you know?
- Using 降ろす for people can imply they are being treated like luggage, so polite speakers often use words for 'escorting' instead.
- Beyond transport, 降ろす is used when removing a picture from a wall or taking an ornament down from a high shelf.
- In the world of Japanese logistics, the noun form 降ろし refers to a specific technical process of unloading shipping cargo.
Examples in context
- お土産を置いてくよ。I'll drop off a souvenir for you.
- ちょっとコートを友達に預けることにした。I decided to drop off my coat with my friend.
- 重い荷物を降ろすと楽になります。omoi nimotsu o orosu to raku ni narimasu.It will be easier once you drop off the heavy luggage.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry 降ろす, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
