Translation guide
The English verb "oust" means to force someone out of a position or place, often through official or forceful means. In Japanese, the best translation depends on the context: whether it's removing someone from power, expelling them from a group, or driving them out of a location. This guide covers the most natural Japanese expressions for each nuance.
To force a leader, official, or person in authority out of their role, often through political or organizational pressure.
The most direct equivalent for ousting someone from a position or organization, implying expulsion or banishment. Commonly used in political and corporate contexts.
He was ousted from the party for corruption.
Specifically means to cause someone to lose their position or influence, often through scandal or power struggles. Focuses on the fall from power.
The minister was ousted due to the scandal.
Means to dismiss or remove someone from a post, often used in formal or organizational settings. Less forceful than 追放, more about relieving duties.
The board ousted the CEO.
Literally 'drag down', a vivid expression for forcibly removing someone from power, often implying a struggle or public disgrace.
The people ousted the dictator.
To force someone out of a club, company, team, or other collective body.
General term for driving someone out of a place or group. Can be used for informal or forceful expulsion.
He was ousted from the team.
Formal term for striking someone's name off a list, expelling them from membership. Used in clubs, associations, etc.
Literally 'throw out', a rough or abrupt expulsion. Can imply kicking someone out unceremoniously.
To drive someone out of a physical location, such as a home, land, or country.
To drive away or repel, often used for forcing someone to leave a place. Can be physical or metaphorical.
The residents ousted the intruders.
To evict or force someone to vacate premises, often legal or official. Used for tenants, squatters, etc.
The landlord ousted the tenant.
To expel or wipe out, often used in military or competitive contexts. Implies thorough removal.
The enemy forces were ousted from the area.
追放 (expulsion) is the strongest, implying complete removal and often disgrace. 解任 (dismissal) is neutral and formal, like being fired from a position. 失脚 (downfall) focuses on the loss of power or status, often due to scandal, and can be intransitive (失脚する) or transitive (失脚させる).
English 'oust' is often translated as 追い出す, but this can sound too casual or physical. For political or formal contexts, prefer 追放する or 失脚させる. Using 追い出す for a CEO might sound like you're physically throwing them out of the building.
He was ousted from the club for breaking the rules.
He was ousted from the company.