下がって
sagatte
The English phrase "stay back" is translated into Japanese as 下がって (sagatte).
下がって is used to tell someone to keep their distance from a specific place, often because of some danger. It is a common phrase used by police, emergency responders or bystanders to warn people away from a dangerous area or a crime scene.
Meaning: to keep one's distance from a place, often because of some danger (verb)
Which one should you use?
While 下がって implies physically stepping backward or moving away from a point, 離れて emphasizes maintaining a distance between two objects or people.
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
For a more blunt and forceful command, often used in emergencies or by authority figures, you can use the imperative form 下がれ.
How do you pronounce it?
sagatte
Did you know?
- In Japanese, the direction 'down' is used for 'back'. This is why the verb 下がる (sagaru) is used for staying back or stepping back, rather than using a word for 'behind'.
- In Japanese etiquette, physically stepping back (下がる) while bowing can be a way to show extra deference or to create a respectful space between oneself and a superior.
- The verb 下がる can be used to describe 'hanging' an object, such as a picture or a sign, because the object has moved to a lower position.
Examples in context
- 後ろに下がっているように言ったよね。I said stay back.This sentence is useful for practicing the form 下がって.Tatoeba #2060661 by bunbuku, translation #1887638 by CK
- 警察は私たちに下がっているように警告した。The police warned us to stay back.Tatoeba #11966061 by bunbuku, translation #12268117 by CK
Example conversation
Misaki sees a construction site with falling debris.
- 美咲 Misaki危ないから、少し下がって！Abunai kara, sukoshi sagatte!It's dangerous, so stay back a bit!
- 大翔 Hirotoえっ、何があったの？E', nani ga atta no?Eh, what happened?
- 美咲 Misakiあそこで工事をしているの。Asoko de kouji o shite iru no.They are doing construction work over there.
- 大翔 Hirotoわかった、離れるよ。Wakatta, hanareru yo.Okay, I'll move away.
Sources
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
