Translation guide
The English phrase 'come under' has several distinct meanings, including being subjected to something (attack, criticism, scrutiny), falling within a category or jurisdiction, or being classified under a heading. This guide covers the most common and useful Japanese equivalents for each meaning.
Expressing that someone or something experiences or receives something negative or challenging, such as attack, criticism, fire, pressure, or scrutiny.
A versatile pattern meaning 'to receive' or 'to be subjected to'. Used with nouns like 攻撃 (attack), 批判 (criticism), 圧力 (pressure), 非難 (blame), etc.
その政策は激しい批判を受けた。
The policy came under fierce criticism.
彼は上司から圧力を受けている。
He is coming under pressure from his boss.
Means 'to be exposed to' something, often with a nuance of being vulnerable or unprotected. Commonly used with 危険 (danger), 攻撃 (attack), 批判 (criticism), 視線 (gaze).
その会社は厳しい監視にさらされている。
The company has come under intense scrutiny.
Literally 'to become the target of'. Used when someone/something becomes the focus of attack, criticism, or ridicule.
彼はメディアの批判の的になった。
He came under media criticism.
Literally 'to bathe in' or 'to be showered with'. Used for intense or abundant exposure to things like criticism, questions, or attacks. Often in the form 〜を浴びせる (to shower someone with).
新首相は質問を浴びた。
The new prime minister came under a barrage of questions.
Indicating that something is included in or governed by a particular category, rule, law, department, or area of responsibility.
Means 'to fall under', 'to correspond to', or 'to be applicable to'. Used for categories, rules, conditions, etc. Formal and precise.
このケースは規則第5条に該当する。
This case comes under Article 5 of the regulations.
Means 'to belong to' or 'to come under' a group, category, or jurisdiction. Slightly more about membership.
その問題は私の担当に属さない。
That issue doesn't come under my responsibility.
Formal expression meaning 'to be under the jurisdiction of'. Used for legal, administrative, or organizational authority.
この地域は連邦政府の管轄下にある。
This area comes under federal jurisdiction.
Describing that an item or topic is placed under a specific title, category, or entry in a list, book, or system.
Means 'to be classified under'. Common and straightforward.
この本は歴史のカテゴリーに分類される。
This book comes under the category of history.
Literally 'to be in the entry/section of'. Used when referring to a specific heading in a document or list.
詳細は「よくある質問」の項目にあります。
Details come under the 'FAQ' section.
Expressing that a person or group falls under the sway, authority, or spell of someone or something.
Means 'to come under the influence of'. Neutral and widely applicable.
彼は悪い仲間の影響下に入った。
He came under the influence of bad company.
Stronger, meaning 'to be placed under the control/domination of'. Often used for political or military contexts.
その国は独裁者の支配下に置かれた。
The country came under the control of a dictator.
Business term meaning 'to come under the umbrella of' a larger company or organization.
その小さな会社は大企業の傘下に入った。
The small company came under the umbrella of a large corporation.
Do not translate 'come under' word-for-word as 来る下に or similar. It is not natural Japanese. Use the patterns above depending on the intended meaning.