Translation guide
The English phrasal verb 'hand down' has several distinct meanings. This guide covers the most common uses: passing objects to someone below, transmitting traditions or knowledge to the next generation, giving used items to a younger person, and issuing official decisions or rulings.
To give something to a person who is at a lower physical position, such as from a height or to someone sitting.
Literally 'hand over', this is the most direct and natural way to say 'hand down' when physically passing something to someone below you.
棚の上の本を手渡してくれますか？
Could you hand down the book on the shelf?
彼は屋根から工具を手渡した。
He handed down the tools from the roof.
Means 'to bring down' or 'to lower'. Used when the focus is on moving something from a higher place to a lower place, not necessarily directly to a person.
屋根裏から荷物を下ろして。
Hand down the luggage from the attic.
General verb for 'hand over' or 'pass'. Can be used when the downward direction is clear from context.
その箱を下にいる人に渡して。
Hand that box down to the person below.
To transmit cultural practices, skills, or narratives from one generation to the next.
The most common verb for 'pass down' in the sense of conveying intangible things like traditions, stories, or knowledge.
この祭りは何世代にもわたって伝えられてきた。
This festival has been handed down for generations.
祖母から伝えられたレシピです。
This is a recipe handed down from my grandmother.
Means 'to inherit' or 'to carry on'. Often used for traditions, skills, or family businesses that are actively continued by the next generation.
Specifically for stories or legends that are passed down orally.
To give clothes, toys, or other possessions that one has outgrown to a younger sibling or relative.
A noun meaning 'hand-me-down'. Commonly used for clothes or items passed from an older sibling to a younger one.
これは兄のお下がりの服です。
These are clothes handed down from my older brother.
Verb phrase meaning 'to pass down hand-me-downs'.
妹にお下がりを回した。
I handed down clothes to my younger sister.
To announce a formal judgment, verdict, or sentence, especially in a legal context.
The standard legal phrase for 'to hand down a verdict/sentence'.
裁判官は被告に有罪判決を下した。
The judge handed down a guilty verdict to the defendant.
Means 'to pronounce' or 'to announce' a sentence or decision. Often used in legal contexts.
裁判長は判決を言い渡した。
The presiding judge handed down the sentence.
The technique was handed down to the apprentices.
この村には古くから語り継がれる伝説がある。
This village has a legend that has been handed down since ancient times.