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.
彼の提案はすぐに却下された。
His proposal was dismissed immediately.
To brush aside an argument or objection. Slightly less formal than 却下する.
彼女はその批判を退けた。
She dismissed the criticism.
To flatly reject or dismiss out of hand. Stronger and more literary.
彼はその申し出を一蹴した。
He flatly dismissed the offer.
To not take seriously; to ignore or refuse to engage with an idea or person.
彼は私の意見を全く取り合わなかった。
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.
彼は不正行為で解雇された。
He was dismissed for misconduct.
To dismiss from an official position, such as a government post. Formal.
大臣は汚職で罷免された。
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).
先生は生徒たちを解散させた。
The teacher dismissed the students.
To dismiss someone from a room or formal setting. Often used in court or official contexts.
裁判官は陪審員を退出させた。
The judge dismissed the jury.
To dismiss a subordinate or attendant. Implies a hierarchical relationship.
王は家来を下がらせた。
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'.
そのことはもう考えないようにした。
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.
彼は危険を無視した。
He dismissed the danger.
Literally 'drive out of one's head'. Vivid expression for dismissing a thought.
嫌な記憶を頭から追い出した。
I dismissed the unpleasant memory.
To officially terminate a court case or accusation
dismiss a case · dismiss charges · dismiss an appeal
Legal term for dismissing a case or appeal. Used by judges.
裁判官は訴訟を棄却した。
The judge dismissed the lawsuit.
Also used in legal contexts for dismissing a motion or claim. Overlaps with 'reject' meaning.
控訴は却下された。
The appeal was dismissed.
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.
彼は手を振って私の懸念を退けた。
He dismissed my concerns with a wave of his hand.
Uses 退ける for brushing aside concerns.
I got dismissed for being late all the time.