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).
The revolutionary army overthrew the government.
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.
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.
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).
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.
Means 'to cause someone to fall from power', often through political maneuvering rather than violent revolution. Used for ousting politicians or officials.
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.
The discovery overthrew the conventional theory.
Means 'to break down' or 'to do away with'. Often used for overcoming obstacles, traditions, or outdated systems. Strong connotation of active destruction.
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.
overthrow the government
government overthrow
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.
The dictator was overthrown and exiled.
The minister was overthrown (forced from power) by a scandal.
革命は古い社会秩序を覆した。
The revolution overthrew the old social order.
They tried to overthrow the old customs.