transcribe vs write down

transcribe and write down both are verbs.

Word	Noun	Adjective	Verb	Adverb
transcribe	No	No	Yes	No
write down	No	No	Yes	No

As verbs, write down is a hypernym of transcribe; that is, write down is a word with a broader meaning than transcribe:

Other hypernyms of transcribe include get down, put down, set down.

transcribe (verb)	write down (verb)
convert the genetic information in (a strand of DNA) into a strand of RNA, especially messenger RNA	reduce the estimated value of something
rewrite in a different script	put down in writing; of texts, musical compositions, etc.
write out from speech, notes, etc.
make a phonetic transcription of
rewrite or arrange a piece of music for an instrument or medium other than that originally intended