Translation guide
The English phrasal verb "come off" has several distinct meanings. This guide organizes them by practical use, from physical detachment to social impressions, with natural Japanese equivalents.
Something becomes detached from a surface or object.
Intransitive verb meaning to come off, be removed, or be detached. Used when something falls off by itself or comes loose.
ボタンが取れた。
The button came off.
壁のペンキが取れている。
The paint is coming off the wall.
Intransitive verb meaning to come off, be disconnected, or slip out of place. Often used for parts that are meant to be attached.
Intransitive verb meaning to peel off or come unstuck. Used for stickers, labels, paint, etc.
シールが剥がれた。
The sticker came off.
Something is designed to be taken off or detached.
Potential form of 外す (to remove). Means 'can be taken off'.
この部品は外せますか？
Does this part come off?
Also used for 'can be removed' in the sense of detachable parts.
このカバーは取れます。
This cover comes off.
An event or plan happens successfully or has a good result.
Common phrase meaning 'to go well' or 'to succeed'. Used for plans, events, etc.
パーティーはうまくいった。
The party came off well.
計画がうまくいかなかった。
The plan didn't come off.
More formal verb meaning 'to succeed'.
イベントは成功した。
The event came off successfully.
To appear or be perceived in a certain way.
Pattern meaning 'to give the impression of ~'. Used when describing how someone comes across.
彼は冷たいという印象を与える。
He comes off as cold.
Means 'to look like ~' or 'to seem ~'. Simpler alternative.
彼は自信があるように見える。
He comes off as confident.
To stop using a drug or medication.
Literally 'to quit medicine'. Natural way to say 'come off medication'.
医者に相談せずに薬をやめないでください。
Don't come off the medication without consulting your doctor.
Formal/medical term for discontinuing a drug.
断薬のプロセスは難しいことがある。
The process of coming off medication can be difficult.
A stain or mark is removed from a surface.
Intransitive verb meaning 'to come off' for stains, dirt, etc.
この汚れは洗っても落ちない。
This stain won't come off even if I wash it.
Also used for stains being removed.
シミが取れた。
The stain came off.
The English phrasal verb 'come off' has no single Japanese equivalent. Always choose the verb based on the specific meaning (detach, succeed, seem, etc.). Using a literal translation like 来る off will not be understood.
取れる is general for things coming off or being removed, often unintentionally. 外れる implies something was attached or fitted and has come loose or disconnected. For parts like chains or lids, 外れる is more precise.