Translation guide
The English word "dismissal" covers several distinct concepts: firing someone from a job, rejecting an idea or suggestion, allowing someone to leave, and legal termination of a case. Each meaning has different natural Japanese expressions.
Terminating someone's employment, often formally or as a disciplinary action.
The standard term for dismissal from employment. Used in formal and legal contexts.
He was dismissed for misconduct.
Colloquial term for being fired. Literally means "neck," but used in phrases like 首になる (to be fired) or 首にする (to fire someone).
He got fired from the company.
Formal dismissal from a position, often used for public officials or disciplinary removal.
The public official was dismissed for corruption.
Dismissing a proposal, argument, or opinion as unworthy of consideration.
Formal rejection of a proposal, motion, or application. Often used in official or business settings.
His proposal was dismissed immediately.
To not take something seriously; to brush off or ignore. Literally "not take up."
To reject outright; to dismiss with a single kick (metaphorically). Stronger and more literary.
He dismissed the criticism with a wave of his hand.
Giving permission to go, such as dismissing a class or a meeting.
To dismiss a gathering, meeting, or group. Commonly used for classes, assemblies, or teams.
The teacher dismissed the students.
To permit someone to leave a room or formal setting. More literal and polite.
To dismiss someone from one's presence, often used in hierarchical or traditional contexts.
The king dismissed his retainer.
A court's decision to terminate a lawsuit or charges without further hearing.
Dismissal of a case or motion by a court, often without a trial on the merits. Same word as for rejecting a proposal.
The lawsuit was dismissed due to insufficient evidence.
Dismissal of a claim or appeal after consideration, often on the merits. Slightly different from 却下, which is procedural.
解雇 is the formal, legal term for dismissal from employment. 首 is a colloquial, everyday expression. Use 解雇 in official documents or news, and 首 in casual conversation.
I received a dismissal notice.
If you're late again, you're fired.
In Japanese law, 却下 (きゃっか) is a dismissal without examining the merits (e.g., procedural flaws), while 棄却 (ききゃく) is a dismissal after examining the merits. In everyday use, 却下 is more common for rejecting proposals.
She dismissed my opinion.
The judge dismissed the witness.
The judge dismissed the appeal.
The claim was dismissed (on the merits).