Translation guide
The English phrasal verb "throw off" has several distinct meanings. This guide organizes them by practical use, from physical removal to disrupting or confusing someone.
To take off an item of clothing hastily or casually.
Literally 'take off and discard', implying a quick, careless removal. Often used for coats, jackets, or shoes.
彼はコートを脱ぎ捨てた。
He threw off his coat.
Means 'to take off quickly'. More neutral than 脱ぎ捨てる, without the 'discard' nuance.
彼女は帽子をさっと脱いだ。
She threw off her hat.
To free oneself from a burden, illness, or negative feeling.
Literally 'shake off'. Used for abstract things like sleepiness, fear, or a pursuer.
眠気を振り払った。
I threw off my drowsiness.
Means 'to slip out of' or 'escape from'. Used for摆脱 a bad habit, depression, or a situation.
Means 'to drive away' or 'chase off'. Used for pests, intruders, or unwanted thoughts.
To cause someone to make a mistake or lose their train of thought.
General term for 'to confuse'. Can be used when someone's rhythm or concentration is disrupted.
彼の質問が私を混乱させた。
His question threw me off.
Literally 'to throw off someone's rhythm'. Very natural for sports, music, or any timed activity.
相手のピッチャーは打者の調子を狂わせた。
The opposing pitcher threw off the batter's timing.
Means 'to deceive' or 'lead astray'. Stronger nuance of intentional misleading.
To produce and release something into the air.
Formal verb meaning 'to emit'. Used for heat, light, smell, sound.
ストーブが熱を発している。
The stove is throwing off heat.
Literary or emphatic word for 'release'. Often used for light, fragrance, or aura.
To produce a piece of writing or music without much effort.
Means 'to write quickly'. Neutral and common.
彼は詩をさっと書いた。
He threw off a poem.
Means 'to write in one go'. Emphasizes speed and uninterrupted flow.
彼女はレポートを一気に書き上げた。
She threw off the report in one sitting.
The English 'throw off' is highly idiomatic. Directly translating 'throw' (投げる) and 'off' (離れて) will not convey the intended meaning in Japanese. Always choose the appropriate phrase based on context.
He threw off his depression.
犬を追い払った。
I threw off the dog.
彼のうそが私を惑わした。
His lie threw me off.
The flowers were throwing off a strong scent.