Translation guide
How to express 'disposal' in Japanese depends on what is being disposed of and the method. Common translations include 処分 (shobun) for getting rid of unwanted items, 廃棄 (haiki) for discarding as waste, and 処理 (shori) for processing or treatment. The choice varies with formality and context.
To express the act of throwing away, discarding, or getting rid of things you no longer need.
The most common and versatile word for disposal of personal belongings, documents, or assets. Can be used in both casual and formal contexts.
古い書類を処分した。
I disposed of old documents.
粗大ごみの処分方法を教えてください。
Please tell me how to dispose of large trash items.
The everyday verb 'to throw away'. Use this in casual conversation for discarding trash or unwanted items.
Formal term for disposal, often used in legal, business, or environmental contexts. Implies discarding as waste.
Specifically means destruction or shredding, often used for confidential documents. Not for general trash.
機密文書を破棄する。
Dispose of confidential documents (by shredding).
To refer to the treatment, processing, or disposal of waste, sewage, or industrial byproducts.
General term for processing or treatment. Used for waste treatment, sewage disposal, data processing, etc.
下水処理施設を見学した。
We toured a sewage disposal plant.
ゴミの処理方法が問題になっている。
Waste disposal methods are becoming an issue.
To express the sale, liquidation, or disposal of property, stocks, or business assets.
Means selling off or disposal by sale. Used for real estate, securities, or company assets.
不要な土地を売却した。
We disposed of the unused land (by selling it).
Also used for disposal of assets, but broader than 売却. Can include giving away or scrapping.
To refer to the defusing or disposal of bombs or explosives.
Standard term for bomb disposal. Often used in news and military contexts.
爆弾処理班が出動した。
The bomb disposal squad was dispatched.
Specifically for disposal of unexploded ordnance (UXO).
不発弾処理には危険が伴う。
Disposal of unexploded bombs involves danger.
処分 (shobun) is the most general term for getting rid of something, often personal items or assets. 廃棄 (haiki) emphasizes discarding as waste, and is more formal. 処理 (shori) focuses on the process of treating or handling something, like waste treatment or data processing. Use 捨てる (suteru) for casual 'throw away'.
In everyday conversation, 処分 sounds too formal. Use 捨てる (throw away) instead. Saying この紙を処分する sounds stiff; say この紙を捨てる.
この紙、捨てて。
Throw away this paper.
Can I throw away this box?
ゴミは明日捨てます。
I'll throw out the trash tomorrow.
The disposal of industrial waste is regulated by law.
Compound meaning 'waste disposal' or 'waste treatment'. Common in environmental and municipal contexts.
廃棄物処理業者に依頼した。
We hired a waste disposal company.
Dispose of the company's idle assets.