If you’re learning Japanese and want to know how to say “go downstairs,” you’ve come to the right place. In this guide, we’ll cover both formal and informal ways to express this action, and provide valuable tips and examples along the way. So let’s dive in!
Table of Contents
Formal Ways to Say “Go Downstairs”
When it comes to formal Japanese, it’s important to use appropriate vocabulary and honorifics. Here are a few ways to say “go downstairs” in formal settings:
1. 階段を降りる (kaidan o oriru)
This is the most common and neutral way to express “going downstairs” in formal Japanese. You can use it in various contexts and it applies to both singular and plural situations.
Example: 会議が終わった後、彼は階段を降りた (Kaigi ga owatta ato, kare wa kaidan o orita) – After the meeting ended, he went downstairs.
2. 下に向かう (shita ni mukau)
This literal translation implies the direction towards the lower floor and can convey the idea of heading downstairs in a more formal manner.
Example: お手洗いはこの廊下の端です。そちらのエレベーターではなく、下に向かってください (Otearai wa kono rōka no hashi desu. Sochira no erebētā de wa naku, shita ni mukatte kudasai) – The restroom is at the end of this hallway. Please go downstairs instead of taking that elevator.
Informal Ways to Say “Go Downstairs”
In casual conversations or when talking to friends, you can use these more relaxed expressions to say “go downstairs” in Japanese:
1. 下に行く (shita ni iku)
This is a simple and straightforward way to informally say “go downstairs” in Japanese.
Example: えっと、すみません。下に行きたいんですが、どこですか？ (Etto, sumimasen. Shita ni ikitain desu ga, doko desu ka?) – Um, excuse me. I want to go downstairs, but where is it?
2. 階下へ行く (kaika e iku)
This expression is less common in everyday speech, but it can still be used casually when stating the intention to go downstairs.
Example: もう少し待ってね。ちょっと階下へ行ってくるよ (Mō sukoshi matte ne. Chotto kaika e itte kuru yo) – Just wait a bit longer. I’ll go downstairs real quick.
Tips and Regional Variations
While Japanese is widely spoken throughout Japan, there can be variations in regional dialects. However, the differences in expressing “go downstairs” across regions are minimal to none. It’s important to note that using the standard expressions provided earlier will be universally understood across the country.
Conclusion
Congratulations! Now you know various ways to say “go downstairs” in Japanese. Remember, the formal expressions like “階段を降りる (kaidan o oriru)” and “下に向かう (shita ni mukau)” are suitable for professional or formal situations, while the informal expressions like “下に行く (shita ni iku)” and “階下へ行く (kaika e iku)” work well in casual conversations among friends or acquaintances. Practice these phrases, and you’ll be able to navigate your way downstairs in Japan with ease!
