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.
The company pulled out of the overseas market.
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 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).
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.