Translation guide
The act of leaving a duty, post, or obligation without permission, especially in military or similar contexts. In Japanese, the most common equivalent is 脱走 (だっそう) for military desertion, but other terms apply to abandonment of responsibilities or groups.
Leaving military service or post without permission, often permanently.
The standard term for desertion from the military. Can also be used for escaping from prison or similar confinement.
彼は軍隊から脱走した。
He deserted from the army.
脱走兵は厳しく罰せられる。
Deserters are severely punished.
More general term for fleeing or escaping, often used for desertion when emphasizing the act of running away. Can apply to civilians as well.
兵士が戦場から逃亡した。
The soldier deserted from the battlefield.
Specifically 'desertion in the face of the enemy,' a serious military crime. Used in legal or historical contexts.
敵前逃亡は重罪だ。
Desertion in the face of the enemy is a serious crime.
Leaving a job, post, or obligation without notice, often implying irresponsibility.
Means 'abandonment' or 'renunciation.' Used for desertion of duties, responsibilities, or rights. Often appears as 任務放棄 (abandonment of duty).
彼は任務を放棄した。
He deserted his post. (He abandoned his duty.)
職場放棄は解雇の理由になる。
Job abandonment is grounds for dismissal.
Specifically 'job abandonment' or 'desertion of one's workplace.' Common in employment contexts.
無断欠勤が続くと職場放棄とみなされる。
Repeated unauthorized absences are considered job abandonment.
Means 'withdrawal' or 'secession' from a group or organization. Can imply desertion when leaving without permission, but often used for formal resignation.
Abandoning a group, movement, or shared purpose, often seen as betrayal.
Means 'betrayal.' Used when desertion is seen as a treacherous act against a group or person.
彼の脱走は裏切りとみなされた。
His desertion was seen as a betrayal.
Means 'defection' or 'estrangement.' Often used for desertion from a political party, faction, or movement.
Verb meaning 'to abandon' or 'to desert' someone in need. Emphasizes leaving behind a person or cause.
脱走 (だっそう) specifically implies escaping from confinement or a controlled environment (military, prison). 逃亡 (とうぼう) is broader, meaning flight or absconding, and can be used for civilians fleeing from danger or responsibility. For military desertion, 脱走 is more precise.
Avoid directly translating 'desertion' as デザーション; this is not a natural Japanese word. Use the appropriate term based on context: military, duty, or group abandonment.
彼は党を脱退した。
He deserted the party. (He withdrew from the party.)
Many party members deserted.
彼は家族を見捨てた。
He deserted his family.