Translation guide
The English phrase "be removed" can refer to physical removal, deletion, elimination, or dismissal. This guide covers natural Japanese expressions for each meaning, from common verbs to formal and technical terms.
The file was removed.
Something is taken away or extracted from a place or surface.
Passive form of 取り除く (to remove). Used when something is physically taken away, often by an unspecified agent.
The dirt was removed.
Passive of 外す (to detach, remove). Used for detachable parts, accessories, or items that are taken off.
The battery was removed.
Passive of 抜く (to pull out, extract). Used for things that are pulled out, like teeth, nails, or plugs.
The tooth was removed.
Data, text, or content is deleted or erased.
Passive of 削除する (to delete). Standard for digital content, files, or text.
A rule, system, or obstacle is eliminated or abolished.
Passive of 撤廃する (to abolish, repeal). Used for laws, regulations, or systems.
A person is removed from a job or role.
Passive of 解任する (to dismiss from a post). Formal, used for officials or executives.
English passive 'be removed' often corresponds to intransitive verbs in Japanese (e.g., 落ちる for stains, 消える for disappearing). Using passive forms like 取り除かれる can sound unnatural if the agent is irrelevant.
取り除く is general removal; 外す is for detaching; 抜く is for pulling out. Choose based on the action.
remove a part
Please remove your shoes.
Uses 脱ぐ (to take off clothing/shoes), not a general 'remove' verb.
The file was removed.
Passive of 消す (to erase, delete). More casual; used for erasing marks, deleting messages, or turning off lights.
The message was removed.
Passive of 抹消する (to expunge, erase). Formal, often used for records or official entries.
The record was removed.
The law was removed.
Passive of 廃止する (to abolish, discontinue). Common for systems, services, or practices.
The system was removed.
Passive of 取り払う (to clear away, remove obstacles). Used for physical or metaphorical barriers.
The obstacles were removed.
He was removed from his position.
Passive of 更迭する (to reshuffle, replace). Often used for high-ranking officials or in news.
The minister was removed.
Colloquial for being fired or dismissed. Literally 'become neck', implying beheading.
Very informal; avoid in polite contexts.
He was removed (fired).
歯を抜く
remove a tooth
The app was removed from the store.