Translation guide
How to express 'step down' in Japanese, covering physical movement, resigning from a position, and reducing intensity.
To voluntarily leave a job, role, or position of authority.
The most direct and common way to say 'step down' from a formal position, such as a CEO, minister, or leader. Implies a formal resignation.
社長が辞任した。
The president stepped down.
彼は健康上の理由で辞任した。
He stepped down for health reasons.
To move one's foot downward from a step, platform, vehicle, etc.
To decrease effort, pressure, or pace.
Literally 'drop the pace', used when stepping down the speed or intensity of an activity.
仕事のペースを落としたほうがいい。
You should step down the pace of work.
辞任する implies resignation, often due to personal reasons or scandal. 退任する is more neutral and often used for scheduled retirement or end of term.
不祥事で大臣が辞任した。
The minister stepped down due to a scandal.
任期満了で市長が退任した。
The mayor stepped down at the end of his term.
The English phrase 'step down' cannot be directly translated word-for-word into Japanese. Use the appropriate verb based on context: 辞任する for resigning, 降りる for physical descent, etc.
Often used for stepping down upon completing a term or retiring from a role, slightly more neutral than 辞任する.
会長が退任する予定だ。
The chairman is scheduled to step down.
Literally 'pull oneself back', used when stepping down to take responsibility or to let someone else take over. Has a nuance of withdrawing gracefully or under pressure.
責任を取って身を引いた。
He stepped down taking responsibility.
A general verb for quitting a job. Less formal than 辞任する and can be used for any job, not just high positions. Often used in casual contexts.
仕事を辞めることにした。
I decided to step down from my job.
General verb for getting off or stepping down from something. Use から for the starting point.
バスから降りた。
I stepped down from the bus.
階段を降りるときに気をつけて。
Be careful when stepping down the stairs.
Same pronunciation as 降りる, but this kanji emphasizes descending. Often interchangeable, but 降りる is more common for vehicles.
山を下りる。
Step down the mountain.
To hold back or refrain, often used when stepping down one's involvement or consumption.
飲酒を控えてください。
Please step down on drinking.