Translation guide
The English verb "remove" covers a wide range of actions: taking something away, deleting, eliminating, stripping off, and more. Japanese uses different verbs depending on what is being removed and how. This guide organizes the most common meanings for learners.
Physically take something from a place or person, often to put it elsewhere.
General term for removing something unwanted or obstructive. Slightly formal.
Please remove the obstacles from the desk.
Remove something attached or fitted, like a lid, a part, or an accessory.
Please remove your glasses.
Casual, common verb for taking something off or out. Often used in compounds.
Take the book off the shelf.
Move something out of the way (casual).
Move that chair out of the way.
Remove digital content, text, or marks.
Remove something abstract or unwanted, like a problem, stain, or obstacle.
Remove something worn on the body.
Dismiss someone from a job or position.
Remove a layer, cover, or skin.
English 'remove' is very broad. Using a single Japanese verb for all cases will sound unnatural. Always consider what is being removed and the context.
取る is general 'take off/out', 外す is for detaching something fitted, 脱ぐ is specifically for clothing. Using the wrong one can cause confusion.
Please remove your shoes.
I removed the app from my phone.
Please erase the writing on the whiteboard.
注文を取り消したいです。
I'd like to cancel the order.
You can remove ads with this app.
I forgot to remove my earrings.
Take off your hat.
The coach removed him from the regular lineup.
彼は会社をクビになった。
He got fired from the company.
Peel the apple.
古いペンキを取り去る。
Remove the old paint.