Translation guide
The act of taking something apart, often systematically. In Japanese, the best word depends on what is being dismantled: machinery, structures, organizations, or abstract systems.
To disassemble a physical object into its components, often for repair, recycling, or analysis.
General term for disassembling or breaking down into parts. Used for machines, devices, and also in scientific contexts (e.g., chemical decomposition).
I dismantled the clock and cleaned it.
You need special tools to dismantle the engine.
Often used for dismantling larger structures (buildings, ships) or scrapping vehicles. Can also mean dissection or breaking up an organization.
They are dismantling the old building.
They dismantle the ship for scrap.
Refers to removing or detaching parts, not necessarily full disassembly. Often used for removable components.
Please tell me how to remove the computer parts.
To break up or abolish an institution, policy, or abstract framework.
Used for disbanding organizations, dissolving systems, or breaking up structures (e.g., political, social).
That organization was dismantled last year.
Means abolition or discontinuation, often used for laws, systems, or practices. Focuses on ending rather than physically taking apart.
Similar to 廃止 but often implies removal of regulations or barriers. More formal.
To systematically refute or deconstruct an idea.
To refute or shoot down an argument in a debate. Implies defeating the opponent's logic.
I dismantled his argument.
Can be used metaphorically for deconstructing theories or systems of thought.
To overthrow or break down (e.g., old customs, stereotypes). More about smashing than systematic deconstruction.
分解 (bunkai) is for taking apart machines, devices, or chemical breakdown. 解体 (kaitai) is for larger structures (buildings, ships), scrapping, or disbanding organizations. Use 分解 for a clock, 解体 for a building.
Avoid directly translating 'dismantle' as 解体 in all contexts. For arguments, 論破 is more natural. For removing parts, 取り外し may be better.
We will dismantle the old system and create a new one.
That law should be dismantled (abolished).
規制を撤廃する。
Dismantle regulations.
その理論を解体して問題点を明らかにする。
We will dismantle that theory and reveal its problems.
Dismantle stereotypes.