Translation guide
The act of formally withdrawing from a political union, organization, or federation. In Japanese, this is most commonly expressed with terms related to 'withdrawal' or 'independence', depending on the context.
To express the formal withdrawal of a region or group from a larger political entity, such as a nation or federation.
To express leaving a non-political organization, such as a club, association, or alliance.
To refer to specific historical instances of secession, such as the American Civil War.
The standard phrase for the secession of the Southern states in the American Civil War.
南北戦争は南部諸州の脱退によって始まった。
The Civil War began with the secession of the Southern states.
脱退 is a general term for withdrawal from any group, while 分離独立 specifically implies separation with the goal of becoming an independent state. Use 分離独立 for political secession movements aiming for sovereignty.
スコットランドの分離独立を問う住民投票
a referendum on Scottish secession
The English word 'secession' does not have a single direct equivalent in Japanese. Always choose the term based on the context: political independence (分離独立), organizational withdrawal (脱退), or general breakaway (離脱). Using the wrong term can sound unnatural or change the meaning.
General term for withdrawal from an organization or union. Commonly used for secession from a federation or international body.
その州は連邦からの脱退を宣言した。
The state declared its secession from the federation.
Specifically means 'separation and independence'. Used when a region seeks to become an independent country.
その地域は分離独立を求めて戦った。
The region fought for secession and independence.
Means 'withdrawal' or 'breakaway'. Can be used for secession, but is broader and often used in economic contexts (e.g., leaving the EU).
国民投票の結果、EUからの離脱が決まった。
As a result of the referendum, secession from the EU was decided.
Means 'independence'. Often used when the goal is full sovereignty, but can imply secession when combined with context.
その植民地は独立を達成した。
The colony achieved independence (through secession).
The standard term for withdrawing from any formal group or organization.
彼は組合を脱退した。
He seceded from the union.
Specifically means 'withdrawal from a membership-based group' (e.g., a club or society). Less formal than 脱退.
クラブを退会する手続きをした。
I went through the procedure to secede from the club.