Translation guide
The act of formally giving up a right, claim, title, or belief. In Japanese, the expression depends heavily on what is being renounced and the context (legal, religious, personal).
To formally give up a legal right, inheritance, citizenship, or official position.
The standard term for renouncing rights, claims, or property. Used in legal and formal contexts.
He renounced his inheritance rights.
I went through the procedure to renounce my citizenship.
Used for declining or renouncing a position, nomination, or offer, often politely.
He renounced his candidacy for the presidential election.
Specifically means renouncing one's right to vote or abstaining from voting.
He renounced his right to vote (abstained).
To publicly declare that one no longer holds a particular belief, religion, or political stance.
Common verb meaning 'to throw away' or 'abandon'. Used for renouncing beliefs or ways of life.
He renounced his faith.
He vowed to renounce the path of violence.
Using 放棄 with beliefs is more formal and emphatic than 捨てる.
He renounced communism.
Specifically means apostasy or renunciation of one's religion. A formal, historical term.
To give up material possessions, desires, or family ties for spiritual reasons, often in Buddhism.
To leave home and become a monk/nun, renouncing secular life. The standard term in Buddhism.
He renounced everything and became a monk.
Spiritual liberation or emancipation from desires and suffering. Often used in Buddhist contexts.
Literally 'to throw away attachment'. A common phrase for renouncing worldly attachments.
To formally withdraw a statement, accusation, or demand.
放棄 (ほうき) is formal and used for rights, claims, or official status. 捨てる (すてる) is more casual and emotional, used for beliefs, habits, or personal attachments. Using 捨てる for legal rights can sound dramatic or literary.
English 'renunciation' covers many distinct Japanese terms. Avoid directly translating 'renounce' as a single verb. Always consider what is being given up and the context.
Those who renounced the faith were banished from the village.
He devoted himself to ascetic practices seeking renunciation (liberation).
By renouncing attachments, he attained peace of mind.
He was asked to renounce (withdraw) his demands.
He renounced (withdrew) the lawsuit.