Translation guide
The English phrase 'give up' covers several related ideas: stopping an attempt, surrendering, abandoning hope, or yielding something. Japanese uses different words and patterns depending on the nuance.
To cease attempting something because it is too difficult, not worth continuing, or you lose motivation.
The most common and general verb for giving up on a goal, dream, or attempt. Transitive; takes を.
I gave up on my dream.
He gave up trying to quit smoking.
Means 'to stop' or 'quit' a specific action or habit. Often used when giving up a concrete activity rather than an abstract goal.
Loanword from English, used in casual or sports contexts. Sounds like a direct translation; 諦める is more natural in most situations.
I give up already.
To stop fighting or resisting, often in a competition, argument, or conflict.
Literally 'surrender'. Used when admitting defeat in a contest, game, or argument. Can be used figuratively.
He gave up (surrendered).
I give up on this problem.
Idiom: 'raise the white flag'. Emphasizes complete surrender or admission of defeat.
Finally he gave up (raised the white flag).
Literally 'acknowledge defeat'. More formal than 降参する.
He gracefully gave up (admitted defeat).
To stop hoping for a positive outcome; to accept a bad situation.
Expression meaning 'to be resigned' or 'to come to terms with'. Often used when you finally accept something.
I've finally given up (accepted it).
To resign oneself to fate; to give up hope. Slightly literary.
He nodded as if he had given up.
To despair; to give up all hope. Stronger than 諦める.
He gave up on life (despaired).
To give something to someone else, often reluctantly or under pressure.
To yield, concede, or hand over (a seat, right, possession). Implies giving up something for someone else's benefit.
To vacate or surrender (a place, position). Often used for giving up a seat, room, or territory.
To abandon, renounce, or waive (rights, claims, citizenship). Formal.
He gave up his nationality.
To stop believing someone can improve or succeed; to abandon a relationship.
諦める is for giving up on a goal, dream, or abstract effort. やめる is for stopping a concrete action or habit. Use 諦める for 'give up trying' and やめる for 'quit doing'.
I gave up studying Japanese (abandoned the goal).
I gave up studying for today (stopped the activity).
Avoid directly translating 'give up' as あげる (give) + 上 (up). This makes no sense in Japanese. Use the appropriate verb for the context.
I give up! (in frustration)
Don't give up!
He gave up his seat to the elderly woman.
I gave up the room.
To be disgusted with someone; to give up on someone out of frustration. Often used in relationships.
She gave up on him (was fed up).