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.
I disposed of old documents.
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.
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.
To express the sale, liquidation, or disposal of property, stocks, or business assets.
To refer to the defusing or disposal of bombs or explosives.
Standard term for bomb disposal. Often used in news and military contexts.
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'.
Dispose of old clothes (give away, sell, or throw away).
Please tell me how to dispose of large trash items.
Can I throw away this box?
I'll throw out the trash tomorrow.
The disposal of industrial waste is regulated by law.
Dispose of confidential documents (by shredding).
下水処理施設を見学した。
We toured a sewage disposal plant.
Waste disposal methods are becoming an issue.
Compound meaning 'waste disposal' or 'waste treatment'. Common in environmental and municipal contexts.
We hired a waste disposal company.
Means selling off or disposal by sale. Used for real estate, securities, or company assets.
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.
Dispose of the company's idle assets.
The bomb disposal squad was dispatched.
Specifically for disposal of unexploded ordnance (UXO).
Disposal of unexploded bombs involves danger.
古い服を廃棄する。
Dispose of old clothes (as waste, e.g., incineration).
Process/treat the garbage.
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.
Throw away this paper.