In 15 Seconds
- To lose trust or respect through a specific action.
- Commonly used for business mistakes or social blunders.
- Literally means 'to drop' your good name or image.
Meaning
This phrase describes the act of doing something that lowers your social standing or makes people lose trust in you. It's like losing 'points' in the eyes of the public, your friends, or your colleagues.
Key Examples
3 of 6Talking about a company scandal
あの会社は不祥事で評判を落とした。
That company damaged its reputation due to the scandal.
Warning a friend about being late
遅刻ばかりしていると、評判を落とすよ。
If you keep being late, you'll damage your reputation.
Discussing a politician's mistake
失言のせいで、彼は一気に評判を落とした。
Because of his slip of the tongue, his reputation dropped instantly.
Cultural Background
The concept of 'Sekentei' (public eye) means that 'dropping your reputation' often affects your entire family or company, not just yourself. In business, 'hyouban' is seen as a tangible asset. Companies have 'Reputation Management' departments to prevent 'otosu' situations. The term 'Enjou' (flaming) is the modern catalyst for 'dropping reputation' instantly. For Samurai, 'dropping reputation' was often a reason for 'Seppuku' (ritual suicide) to regain honor.
Use with 'kane-nai'
Pair this with '{～かねない|～かねない}' (might happen) to sound like a professional business consultant: '{評判|ひょうばん}を{落|お}としかねません' (It might damage our reputation).
Don't use for small things
If you forget your umbrella, don't say you 'dropped your reputation.' It's too heavy for that!
In 15 Seconds
- To lose trust or respect through a specific action.
- Commonly used for business mistakes or social blunders.
- Literally means 'to drop' your good name or image.
What It Means
Imagine you are carrying a fragile glass vase. This vase represents how people see you. If you trip and drop it, it breaks. In Japanese, 評判を落とす works the same way. You had a good image, but a mistake made it 'drop.' It’s about losing the respect or trust you previously earned. It implies that your value in a group has decreased.
How To Use It
You use this phrase when someone’s actions lead to a negative image. The structure is usually [Person/Company] + が + 評判を落とす. You can also use it to warn someone. For example, 'Don't do that, or you'll drop your reputation!' It’s a very common collocation in both business and daily life. You’ll see it in news headlines about scandals too.
When To Use It
Use this when a professional makes a rookie mistake. Use it when a restaurant serves bad food. It’s perfect for describing social media blunders. If a friend breaks a big promise, they are 評判を落とす. It’s about the consequences of an action. It fits any time someone’s 'brand' takes a hit.
When NOT To Use It
Don't use this for tiny, private accidents. If you trip in your own living room, you aren't dropping your reputation. Nobody saw it! It’s also not for physical objects. If you drop your phone, use 落とす, but leave out 評判. It requires an audience or a social context to make sense. Avoid using it for things that are purely personal feelings.
Cultural Background
Japan is often called a 'shame culture.' Public perception, or 世間体 (sekentei), is incredibly important. Maintaining a good reputation isn't just about ego. It’s about being a reliable member of the community. Dropping your reputation can have real consequences for your career or social life. This phrase reflects the weight of social harmony and trust.
Common Variations
You will often hear 評判が落ちる. This is the passive version. It means 'the reputation dropped' without focusing on who did it. Another variation is 評判を下げる (to lower reputation). However, 落とす (to drop) sounds a bit more dramatic. It implies a sharper, more noticeable decline in trust.
Usage Notes
This is a neutral collocation suitable for most situations. Be careful to use the particle 'o' (を) because it is an active verb showing that an action caused the drop.
Use with 'kane-nai'
Pair this with '{～かねない|～かねない}' (might happen) to sound like a professional business consultant: '{評判|ひょうばん}を{落|お}としかねません' (It might damage our reputation).
Don't use for small things
If you forget your umbrella, don't say you 'dropped your reputation.' It's too heavy for that!
Examples
6あの会社は不祥事で評判を落とした。
That company damaged its reputation due to the scandal.
A classic use for corporate news.
遅刻ばかりしていると、評判を落とすよ。
If you keep being late, you'll damage your reputation.
A friendly but firm warning.
失言のせいで、彼は一気に評判を落とした。
Because of his slip of the tongue, his reputation dropped instantly.
Highlights how quickly a reputation can fall.
あの店、サービスが悪くて評判を落としてるみたい。
That place seems to be losing its reputation because of bad service.
Common way to discuss reviews or rumors.
デートで財布を忘れて、評判を落としちゃった！
I forgot my wallet on the date and totally ruined my image!
Using the phrase dramatically for a relatable fail.
自分のミスでチームの評判を落としたことが悔しい。
I'm frustrated that I damaged the team's reputation with my mistake.
Shows a sense of responsibility and regret.
Test Yourself
Fill in the blank with the correct particle and verb form.
{嘘|うそ}を{つ|つ}くと、{自分|じぶん}の{評判|ひょうばん}（ ）{落|お}としますよ。
The verb 'otosu' is transitive, so it requires the object particle 'o'.
Which sentence is the most natural for a business warning?
If we don't meet the deadline, we will damage our company's reputation.
'Hyouban o otosu' is the standard collocation for this context.
Complete the dialogue.
A: {彼|かれ}、また{約束|やくそく}を{破|やぶ}ったんだって。 B: そうなの？ そんなことばかりしてると、（ ）。
Breaking promises leads to a loss of reputation.
🎉 Score: /3
Visual Learning Aids
Practice Bank
3 exercises{嘘|うそ}を{つ|つ}くと、{自分|じぶん}の{評判|ひょうばん}（ ）{落|お}としますよ。
The verb 'otosu' is transitive, so it requires the object particle 'o'.
If we don't meet the deadline, we will damage our company's reputation.
'Hyouban o otosu' is the standard collocation for this context.
A: {彼|かれ}、また{約束|やくそく}を{破|やぶ}ったんだって。 B: そうなの？ そんなことばかりしてると、（ ）。
Breaking promises leads to a loss of reputation.
🎉 Score: /3
Frequently Asked Questions
4 questionsYes, 'otosu' (drop) implies a loss of value, so it is always used for negative situations.
Absolutely. It is very common to say '{会社|かいしゃ}の{評判|ひょうばん}を{落|お}とす'.
'Lose face' (menboku o ushinau) is more about personal shame, while 'hyouban o otosu' is about what the public thinks of you.
You can, and people will understand, but 'otosu' is the much more common and natural collocation.
Related Phrases
{信用|しんよう}を{失|うしな}う
synonymTo lose trust/credibility.
{泥|どろ}を{塗|ぬ}る
similarTo smear mud (on someone's face).
{顔|かお}を{潰|つぶ}す
similarTo crush someone's face.
{評判|ひょうばん}が{立|た}つ
builds onA rumor/reputation starts to spread.
