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.
He resigned from the company last month.
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.
The president announced his resignation.
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.
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.
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.
The chairman resigned, taking responsibility.
To express that someone accepts a difficult situation, fate, or an undesirable outcome without complaining or fighting against it.
The most common verb for 'to give up' or 'to resign oneself to'. It implies stopping resistance and accepting the situation.
He resigned himself to his fate.
Means 'to accept willingly' or 'to resign oneself to', often with a nuance of enduring something unpleasant without complaint.
Literally 'to accept reluctantly' or 'to accept as unavoidable'. Conveys resignation with a sense of having no other choice.
Means 'to give up' or 'to resign oneself', often used when one realizes resistance is futile and accepts the inevitable.
He finally resigned himself to 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.
I have no choice but to resign myself to it.
He resigned himself to the outcome.
He resigned himself to the conditions.