Translation guide
To remove a government or leader from power, often by force. In Japanese, the most common and direct equivalent is 倒す (taosu), but other words like 転覆する (tenpuku suru) and 打倒 (datō) are used depending on the context and nuance.
Expressing the act of forcibly removing a government or political system from power.
The most common and versatile verb for 'overthrow'. It can be used for governments, rulers, or even abstract systems. Often used in the form 政府を倒す (seifu o taosu).
革命軍が政府を倒した。
The revolutionary army overthrew the government.
彼らは独裁政権を倒そうとしている。
They are trying to overthrow the dictatorship.
Literally 'to capsize' or 'overturn', used metaphorically for overthrowing a government or social order. Often implies a sudden or violent change. Common in news and formal contexts.
クーデターで政府が転覆された。
The government was overthrown in a coup.
A noun meaning 'overthrow' or 'defeat', often used in political slogans or as a suru-verb (打倒する). Strongly implies a goal or struggle to bring down an opponent.
彼らのスローガンは「独裁打倒」だ。
Their slogan is 'Overthrow the dictatorship'.
Focusing on removing a specific person from power, such as a king, president, or dictator.
Again the most natural choice. Can be used with the person as the object: 王を倒す (ō o taosu).
反乱軍は王を倒した。
The rebels overthrew the king.
Means 'to exile' or 'to banish'. Often used when a leader is removed from power and sent away, rather than killed. Implies expulsion rather than destruction.
独裁者は国外に追放された。
The dictator was overthrown and exiled.
Means 'to cause someone to fall from power', often through political maneuvering rather than violent revolution. Used for ousting politicians or officials.
スキャンダルで大臣は失脚した。
The minister was overthrown (forced from power) by a scandal.
Referring to the destruction or replacement of a social, economic, or ideological system.
Means 'to overturn' or 'to reverse'. Used for abstract things like common sense, theories, or social norms. For systems, it implies a fundamental change.
その発見は従来の理論を覆した。
The discovery overthrew the conventional theory.
革命は古い社会秩序を覆した。
The revolution overthrew the old social order.
Means 'to break down' or 'to do away with'. Often used for overcoming obstacles, traditions, or outdated systems. Strong connotation of active destruction.
彼らは因習を打破しようとした。
They tried to overthrow the old customs.
倒す (taosu) is the most general and can be used in both casual and formal contexts. 転覆する (tenpuku suru) is more dramatic and often used in news reports for coups or violent overthrows. 打倒 (datō) is a strong, slogan-like word often used in political contexts to express the goal of overthrowing an opponent.
政府を倒す (general)
overthrow the government
政府転覆 (dramatic, news)
government overthrow
独裁打倒 (slogan)
Down with the dictatorship!
Avoid directly translating 'overthrow' as 上に投げる (ue ni nageru) or similar literal renderings. These do not convey the political meaning and will cause confusion.
Avoid directly translating 'overthrow' as 上に投げる (ue ni nageru) or similar literal renderings. These do not convey the political meaning and will cause confusion.