Translation guide
The English word 'dumping' has several distinct meanings. This guide covers the most common ones for learners: getting rid of something unwanted (especially waste), ending a romantic relationship abruptly, and selling goods at unfairly low prices in international trade. Each meaning has different natural Japanese expressions.
To throw away or get rid of something, often illegally or carelessly, especially large amounts of trash or unwanted materials.
The standard term for illegal dumping of waste. Used in formal and news contexts.
There is no end to people illegally dumping trash in the mountains.
General term for dumping or discarding, often used in legal or environmental contexts. Can be combined with other words like ゴミ (trash).
Dumping trash on the beach is prohibited.
The most common verb for 'throw away'. Not specifically 'dumping', but used in casual contexts for discarding items. For illegal dumping, combine with adverbs like 勝手に (without permission).
Please don't dump trash here.
Colloquial term for littering or casually tossing away small items like cigarette butts. Not for large-scale dumping.
Let's stop littering cigarette butts.
To break up with someone abruptly, often without warning or consideration.
The standard verb for dumping someone in a romantic context. The person doing the dumping is the subject, and the person dumped is marked with を.
I was suddenly dumped by my boyfriend.
Means 'to break up' or 'to separate'. It is mutual in tone, but can be used when one person initiates. Often used with 一方的に (one-sidedly) to emphasize dumping.
Literally 'throw away', used metaphorically for heartlessly dumping someone. Strong and emotional.
Can sound harsh or dramatic. Use with care.
The practice of exporting products at prices lower than the home market or below cost, often to gain market share.
The loanword ダンピング is only used for economic dumping. Using it for throwing away trash or breaking up with someone will cause confusion.
彼女に一方的に別れを告げられた。
She unilaterally told me she was breaking up with me (dumped me).
あいつ、彼女を捨てたんだって。
I heard he dumped his girlfriend.
Legal term for unfair low-price sales, including dumping. Used in trade laws and formal documents.
Tariffs were imposed on dumping (unfair low-price sales).