Translation guide
The English word "override" can refer to several distinct actions: using authority to reject a decision, stopping an automatic process manually, or being more important than other considerations. This guide covers natural Japanese expressions for each meaning.
Express that a person or body with higher authority cancels or changes a previous decision, rule, or action.
Transitive verb meaning to overturn or reverse a decision, ruling, or established idea. Commonly used for court decisions, policies, or common beliefs.
裁判所はその判決を覆した。
The court overturned the ruling.
彼は上司の決定を覆そうとした。
He tried to override his boss's decision.
To reject or dismiss a proposal, motion, or appeal. Often used in formal or legal contexts when a higher authority refuses to accept something.
委員会はその提案を却下した。
The committee overrode the proposal.
Literally 'to invalidate by authority'. A more explicit phrase used when explaining the act of overriding based on one's power.
社長はその契約を権限で無効にした。
The president overrode the contract using his authority.
Express that a person interrupts an automatic system or default setting to operate it manually.
To switch to manual mode. This is the most natural way to say you are overriding an automatic system to take control yourself.
自動運転を手動に切り替えた。
I overrode the autopilot and switched to manual.
To cancel or release automatic control. Often used in technical contexts like machinery or software.
システムの自動制御を解除して手動で操作した。
I overrode the system's automatic control and operated it manually.
Literally 'overwrite'. Used in computing when a new input or setting replaces the default or previous one. Can be used for overriding settings or data.
デフォルト設定を上書きした。
I overrode the default settings.
Express that one factor takes priority over others, making them less relevant.
To be prioritized over something. Use this pattern to say that one thing overrides another in importance.
安全はコストより優先される。
Safety overrides cost.
To surpass or outweigh. Used when one factor is more important or dominant than another.
彼の野心は理性に勝った。
His ambition overrode his reason.
To push aside or override in a forceful way. Can be used metaphorically for one concern pushing aside another.
恐怖が判断力を押しのけた。
Fear overrode his judgment.
The English word 'override' does not have a single direct equivalent in Japanese. Translating it as オーバーライドする is understood in some technical contexts but sounds unnatural in everyday speech. Choose the expression that matches the specific meaning you intend.