Translation guide
The English verb 'depress' has several distinct meanings: to make someone sad, to press down physically, to reduce economic activity, and to lower in value or amount. This guide helps learners choose the right Japanese expression for each meaning.
To cause a person to feel sad, down, or disheartened.
The most common and natural way to say 'depress' in the sense of making someone feel down. It is a transitive verb.
そのニュースは彼を落ち込ませた。
The news depressed him.
Literally 'make someone melancholy'. Slightly more formal or literary than 落ち込ませる.
長雨は人を憂鬱にさせる。
Long rains depress people.
A more literary expression meaning 'to depress one's spirits'. Not used in casual conversation.
彼の言葉は私の気を滅入らせた。
His words depressed me.
To push or press something downward, such as a button, lever, or surface.
The standard verb for physically depressing something, like a button or lever.
ボタンを押し下げてください。
Please depress the button.
A more general verb for 'push'. Often sufficient when the downward direction is clear from context.
そのレバーを押してください。
Please depress the lever.
To cause a decline in business, trade, or economic conditions.
Means 'to depress the economy' or 'cause a recession'. Commonly used in economic contexts.
高い金利が経済を不況にした。
High interest rates depressed the economy.
Literally 'make something cool down'. Used figuratively for depressing economic activity or sentiment.
消費税の増税が消費を冷え込ませた。
The tax hike depressed consumer spending.
To reduce the level, rate, or numerical value of something.
A versatile verb meaning 'to lower'. Can be used for prices, rates, volume, etc.
その薬は血圧を下げる。
The drug depresses blood pressure.
A more formal term meaning 'to cause a decline or drop'. Often used in technical or written contexts.
その政策は出生率を低下させた。
The policy depressed the birth rate.