Translation guide
The English verb "dismiss" covers several distinct meanings, from rejecting an idea to sending someone away. This guide organizes the most useful Japanese equivalents by meaning, with natural examples and cautions about direct translations.
To say that something is not worth considering or is untrue
dismiss a suggestion · dismiss an argument · dismiss criticism
Formal term for rejecting a proposal, claim, or application. Common in business and legal contexts.
His proposal was dismissed immediately.
To brush aside an argument or objection. Slightly less formal than 却下する.
She dismissed the criticism.
To flatly reject or dismiss out of hand. Stronger and more literary.
He flatly dismissed the offer.
To not take seriously; to ignore or refuse to engage with an idea or person.
He completely dismissed my opinion.
To fire or discharge from employment or duty
dismiss an employee · dismiss a worker · be dismissed from a job
Standard term for dismissing an employee. Neutral and widely used.
He was dismissed for misconduct.
To dismiss from an official position, such as a government post. Formal.
The minister was dismissed for corruption.
Colloquial for firing someone. Very common in casual speech.
To give permission or order for a group to depart
dismiss the class · dismiss the meeting · dismiss the troops
To dismiss a meeting, class, or gathering. The causative form of 解散する (to break up).
The teacher dismissed the students.
To dismiss someone from a room or formal setting. Often used in court or official contexts.
To dismiss a subordinate or attendant. Implies a hierarchical relationship.
The king dismissed his retainers.
To decide not to think about something; to disregard
dismiss a thought · dismiss a worry · dismiss the idea
Natural way to say you are dismissing a thought or worry. Literally 'try not to think about it'.
I dismissed the matter from my mind.
To ignore or disregard. Can be used for dismissing a feeling or fact, but can sound blunt.
Can sound harsh if used about a person's feelings.
He dismissed the danger.
Literally 'drive out of one's head'. Vivid expression for dismissing a thought.
I dismissed the unpleasant memory.
To officially terminate a court case or accusation
dismiss a case · dismiss charges · dismiss an appeal
There is no single Japanese verb that covers all uses of "dismiss". Translating directly as ディスミスする is not natural. Always choose the equivalent that matches the specific meaning.
Both mean to reject, but 却下する is more formal and often used for official decisions (proposals, applications). 退ける is used for brushing aside arguments or objections, and can imply a more active refutation.
When dismissing a person (firing), use 解雇する or クビにする. When dismissing what someone says, use 退ける or 取り合わない. Mixing them up can cause confusion.
He dismissed my concerns with a wave of his hand.
Uses 退ける for brushing aside concerns.
遅刻ばかりしてたらクビになった。
I got dismissed for being late all the time.
The judge dismissed the jury.