Translation guide
The act of ending an employment relationship, often with a formal separation package. In Japanese, this concept is expressed through specific terms for the termination itself, the resulting payment, and the broader context of leaving a company.
The act of an employer ending someone's job, often in a formal or contractual context.
General term for dismissal or discharge from employment. Can be used for both individual and mass layoffs.
彼は突然解雇された。
He was suddenly dismissed.
会社は50人の従業員を解雇した。
The company dismissed 50 employees.
Specifically refers to dismissal due to corporate restructuring or downsizing. Often used in news reports.
不況のため、整理解雇が行われた。
Due to the recession, restructuring dismissals were carried out.
Colloquial and somewhat blunt term for firing or dismissal. Literally 'neck cutting'. Avoid in formal situations.
Can sound harsh or insensitive. Use only in informal contexts.
また首切りがあるらしい。
I hear there will be more firings.
Money given to an employee when their employment ends, often based on length of service.
Standard term for retirement or severance pay. Typically a lump sum paid upon leaving a company, often based on years of service.
退職金で家を買った。
I bought a house with my severance pay.
彼は退職金を全額受け取った。
He received his full severance pay.
Specifically refers to an allowance paid upon dismissal, distinct from voluntary retirement pay. More legal/formal nuance.
解雇手当は法律で定められている。
Severance allowance is stipulated by law.
The overall arrangement or contract when employment is terminated, including pay and conditions.
Loanword from English, commonly used in business contexts to refer to a severance package including pay, benefits, and outplacement support.
会社は手厚い退職パッケージを提示した。
The company offered a generous severance package.
A formal severance agreement document. Used when both parties agree on terms of separation.
退職合意書にサインする前に内容を確認してください。
Please check the contents before signing the severance agreement.
Figurative use: ending a connection or relationship, not necessarily employment.
Means severance or rupture of relations, often used for diplomatic ties, family relationships, or generational gaps.
両国は国交を断絶した。
The two countries severed diplomatic relations.
親子の断絶は悲しいことだ。
Severance of parent-child ties is a sad thing.
Stronger term for cutting off a relationship, often used for disowning a family member or breaking off a friendship permanently.
退職金 is the general term for money received upon leaving a company, whether voluntary or involuntary. 解雇手当 specifically refers to payment when dismissed, and may be mandated by law in certain cases. In everyday conversation, 退職金 is more common.
退職金は会社の規定による。
Severance pay depends on company regulations.
不当解雇の場合、解雇手当が支払われる。
In case of unfair dismissal, a severance allowance is paid.
The English word 'severance' is often used as a modifier (e.g., severance pay, severance package). In Japanese, you cannot directly translate 'severance' as a standalone noun in these contexts. Use the compound terms like 退職金 or 退職パッケージ instead of trying to use 切断 or 分離.
彼は息子と絶縁した。
He disowned his son.