Translation guide
The English phrase "go under" has several distinct meanings, from sinking or submerging to failing financially. This guide breaks down the most common uses and provides natural Japanese equivalents for each.
To sink below the surface of water or another liquid.
The most common verb for sinking, used for objects, ships, or even the sun setting.
Specifically for ships sinking; more formal or technical.
その船は嵐で沈没した。
The ship went under in the storm.
To dive or go under intentionally, like a person diving underwater.
彼は水中に潜った。
He went under the water.
To go bankrupt or cease operations due to financial failure.
The standard term for a company going bankrupt or out of business.
その会社は倒産した。
The company went under.
不況で多くの店が倒産した。
Many stores went under due to the recession.
Colloquial and common for a business failing or closing down.
Legal term for declaring bankruptcy, often for individuals or companies.
彼の会社は破産した。
His company went under (declared bankruptcy).
To be overcome by an opponent, pressure, or a situation.
General verb for losing a competition or battle; can imply going under in a figurative sense.
彼は試合で負けた。
He went under in the match.
To be crushed or overwhelmed by pressure, stress, or a stronger force.
彼は仕事のプレッシャーに押しつぶされた。
He went under from the pressure of work.
To yield or succumb, often used in formal or literary contexts.
To become unconscious, especially from anesthesia or a blow.
Standard phrase for losing consciousness.
彼は麻酔で意識を失った。
He went under from the anesthesia.
Slightly more casual way to say lose consciousness or faint.
彼女はその場で気を失った。
She went under on the spot.
To use a pseudonym or alias.
Pattern meaning 'goes by the name ~'. Replace 〜 with the alias.
彼は「ジョン」という名前で通っている。
He goes under the name 'John'.
Pattern meaning 'is known as ~'. More general than just names.
彼は作家として知られている。
He goes under the title of writer.
Do not use 下に行く (したにいく) or similar literal translations for 'go under' in the financial sense. Use 倒産する or 潰れる instead.
会社が倒産した。
The company went under.
沈む is the general verb for sinking, used for any object. 沈没する is specifically for ships and is more formal.
あのレストラン、潰れちゃったよ。
That restaurant went under.
彼は困難に屈しなかった。
He didn't go under despite the difficulties.