Translation guide
The English verb 'shed' has several distinct meanings: to lose or cast off something naturally (skin, leaves, hair), to get rid of something unwanted (weight, inhibitions), to emit or radiate (light, tears), and to cause liquid to flow off (raincoat). This guide organizes these meanings for learners.
To describe animals, plants, or people losing outer layers as part of a natural process.
For animals shedding fur or feathers seasonally. Intransitive verb.
猫の毛が抜け替わる季節です。
It's the season when cats shed their fur.
For trees shedding leaves. More formal/literary than 葉が落ちる.
秋になると木々が落葉する。
In autumn, the trees shed their leaves.
Common everyday phrase for hair/fur falling out or shedding. Intransitive.
うちの犬はよく毛が抜ける。
Our dog sheds a lot.
Simple, natural way to say leaves fall/shed. Intransitive.
この木は冬に葉が落ちます。
This tree sheds its leaves in winter.
To express discarding or freeing oneself from something abstract or burdensome.
General verb for 'throw away' or 'discard', used for abstract things like habits, image, or past.
古いイメージを捨てたい。
I want to shed my old image.
Literally 'to take off and throw away', used for shedding inhibitions, shyness, or old self. Stronger nuance.
Often used for shedding weight or dropping something unwanted. Transitive.
To shake off, leave behind (pursuer, doubt, hesitation). Implies forceful separation.
To describe something giving off light, or a person producing tears or blood.
To emit, release, or give off (light, aura, presence). Somewhat literary.
そのランプは柔らかい光を放っていた。
The lamp shed a soft light.
To shed (tears, blood). Common and natural.
To spill (tears). More poetic or emotional nuance than 流す.
To describe a material or surface that repels water.
To repel (water). Standard term for waterproof or water-repellent materials.
このジャケットは水をはじきます。
This jacket sheds water.
Same as above, often written in kanji. Note: same reading.
English 'shed' is often translated with specific verbs depending on what is being shed. Using a single Japanese verb for all meanings will sound unnatural. Pay attention to the subject (animal, plant, person) and object (skin, hair, tears, weight).
脱皮する is for skin (reptiles, insects). 抜け替わる is for fur/feathers changing seasonally. 毛が抜ける is general hair loss/shedding. Use the right one for the context.
恥ずかしさを脱ぎ捨てて、踊り始めた。
She shed her embarrassment and started dancing.
I'm looking for ways to shed weight.
He shed his doubts and started a new job.
She shed tears.
多くの兵士が血を流した。
Many soldiers shed blood.
He shed tears of frustration.
The umbrella sheds rain.