Translation guide
This guide covers how to express 'pull out' in Japanese, organized by the intended meaning: extracting an object, withdrawing from a situation, pulling a vehicle out, and other uses.
To remove something from inside a container, slot, or enclosed space by pulling.
General verb for pulling something out, such as from a drawer, pocket, or bag. Transitive.
I pulled out the documents from the drawer.
To pull out something that is stuck or inserted, like a plug, tooth, or sword. Transitive.
Please pull out the plug.
I had a tooth pulled out.
To take something out, often with a nuance of retrieving it for use. Transitive.
I pulled out my wallet from my bag.
To pull something out with force or effort, often from a tight or hidden place. Transitive.
I pulled out the futon from the closet.
To pull out and remove completely, often used for extracting samples or stealing. Transitive.
I pulled out the letter from the envelope.
To remove oneself or something from a commitment, agreement, or location.
To pull out of a project, business, or relationship; to withdraw one's involvement.
He pulled out of the project.
To withdraw or pull out, especially in military or business contexts. Formal.
To pull out of a competition, race, or candidacy; to step down. Intransitive.
To pull out troops or personnel; to evacuate. Transitive/Intransitive.
To drive a vehicle out of a parking space, driveway, or side road onto a main road.
To draw a weapon, such as a gun or knife, from a holster or sheath.
To extract a tooth or remove hair by pulling.
To pull out a tooth or hair. Transitive.
I pulled out a tooth.
I pulled out a gray hair.
To make a maximum effort; to do everything possible.
To do one's utmost; to pull out all the stops.
He pulled out all the stops for the exam.
To take every possible measure; to pull out all the stops. Formal.
引き出す (hikidasu) is used for pulling something out of an enclosed space like a drawer. 抜く (nuku) is for pulling out something that is stuck or inserted, like a plug or tooth. 取り出す (toridasu) emphasizes taking something out for use, often from a container.
Pull out documents from a drawer.
Pull out a plug.
Pull out a wallet from a bag.
Directly translating 'pull out' as 引き出す (hikidasu) in all contexts can sound unnatural. For withdrawing from a situation, use 手を引く (te o hiku) or 撤退する (tettai suru). For pulling out a tooth, use 抜く (nuku).
The company pulled out of the overseas market.
彼は選挙から降りた。
He pulled out of the election.
They decided to pull out the troops.
犯人は銃を取り出した。
The criminal pulled out a gun.
They pulled out all the stops to solve the problem.