Translation guide
The English verb "resign" has two main meanings: to voluntarily leave a job or position, and to accept something unpleasant without complaining. This guide covers both, with natural Japanese expressions for each.
To express that someone voluntarily quits their job, steps down from a position, or formally announces their departure.
To express that someone accepts a difficult situation, fate, or an undesirable outcome without complaining or fighting against it.
In English, 'resign' (quit) and 're-sign' (sign again) are different. In Japanese, 辞める means to quit, while 再契約する (さいけいやくする) means to re-sign a contract. Be careful not to mix them up.
辞める is a general verb for quitting any job or activity. 辞任する is specifically for resigning from a formal position or office. Use 辞任する for executives, politicians, or official roles.
He resigned from the company last month.
仕事を辞めたいです。
I want to resign from my job.
Formal term for resigning from a position of responsibility (e.g., president, minister, manager). Often used in official announcements.
社長が辞任を表明した。
The president announced his resignation.
大臣は責任を取って辞任した。
The minister resigned, taking responsibility.
Means to retire or leave a job, often used for leaving a company after a long tenure or reaching retirement age. More formal than 辞める.
来月で退職します。
I will be resigning (retiring) at the end of next month.
Literally 'to submit a resignation letter'. Used when formally handing in a written resignation.
彼は辞表を出した。
He handed in his resignation.
Idiomatic expression meaning 'to step down' or 'withdraw from a position', often implying taking responsibility or making way for others.
会長は責任を取って身を引いた。
The chairman resigned, taking responsibility.
The most common verb for 'to give up' or 'to resign oneself to'. It implies stopping resistance and accepting the situation.
彼は自分の運命を諦めた。
He resigned himself to his fate.
もう諦めるしかない。
I have no choice but to resign myself to it.
Means 'to accept willingly' or 'to resign oneself to', often with a nuance of enduring something unpleasant without complaint.
彼はその結果に甘んじて受け入れた。
He resigned himself to the outcome.
Literally 'to accept reluctantly' or 'to accept as unavoidable'. Conveys resignation with a sense of having no other choice.
彼は仕方なくその条件を受け入れた。
He resigned himself to the conditions.
Means 'to give up' or 'to resign oneself', often used when one realizes resistance is futile and accepts the inevitable.
彼はついに観念した。
He finally resigned himself to it.