Translation guide
How to express being dismissed from a job, position, or formal setting in Japanese. Covers being fired, laid off, or asked to leave, with attention to formality and euphemism.
The speaker is dismissed from employment, typically for cause or performance reasons.
The most common and neutral way to say 'be fired' in everyday conversation. Literally 'become neck', it is widely understood and not overly harsh.
He was fired for being late too often.
Formal term for 'be dismissed/laid off'. Used in official contexts or news reports. The passive form of 解雇する (to dismiss).
Many employees were dismissed due to the recession.
Katakana version of 首になる, often used in casual or emphatic contexts. Same meaning but can feel slightly more direct or slangy.
If you're late again, you'll be fired.
A very formal and somewhat dated term for dismissal, often used in bureaucratic or legal contexts. Rare in daily speech.
He was dismissed on suspicion of corruption.
The speaker loses their job because of restructuring, downsizing, or economic reasons, not personal fault.
Common term for being laid off due to corporate restructuring. From 'restructuring', it implies no personal blame.
My father lost his job due to corporate restructuring.
Formal term for 'be laid off due to workforce reduction'. Often used in legal or HR contexts.
A more specific phrase meaning 'be fired due to personnel reduction'. Combines casual 首になる with formal 人員整理.
The speaker is removed from a role, title, or responsibility, not necessarily employment.
The speaker is asked or ordered to leave a room, building, or gathering.
A lawsuit, charge, or appeal is thrown out by a court.
首になる is the everyday expression for being fired, suitable for casual conversation. 解雇される is formal and often appears in written documents or news. Use 首になる with friends, 解雇される in official contexts.
I got fired yesterday.
Our company has decided to dismiss employees.
Direct translations like 退けられる or 放逐される are rarely used for job dismissal and can sound unnatural or archaic. Stick to the options above based on context.
I was laid off due to the factory closure.
He was let go in the staff reduction.
The minister was dismissed over a scandal.
I was made to leave during the meeting.