Translation guide
How to express 'stepping down' from a position, role, or responsibility in Japanese, including resignation, retirement, and voluntary withdrawal.
Resignation from a job or post, slightly broader than 辞任. Often used for leaving employment.
彼は会社を辞職した。
He resigned from the company.
Leaving a post, often at the end of a term or upon retirement. Implies a scheduled or honorable departure.
会長が退任する。
The chairman is stepping down.
To withdraw or step aside, often voluntarily or to take responsibility. Can be used in business or personal contexts.
責任を取って身を引いた。
He stepped down to take responsibility.
To leave a profession or position permanently, usually due to age or completion of service.
Retirement from a career, sport, or public life. Implies a permanent end to one's active role.
その選手は引退を発表した。
The athlete announced his retirement.
Voluntary retirement, often to make way for younger people. Carries a nuance of gracefully stepping aside.
会長が勇退した。
The chairman stepped down voluntarily.
To abdicate or relinquish a sovereign or very high position.
To drop out of a race, election, or contest.
To decline or withdraw from an offer, candidacy, or participation. Polite and formal.
彼は選挙への立候補を辞退した。
He stepped down from running in the election.
To step down or drop out, often used in casual or spoken contexts for withdrawing from a competition or position.
彼はレースから降りた。
He stepped down from the race.
辞任 is formal resignation from a high-responsibility post (e.g., CEO, minister). 辞職 is general resignation from a job. 退任 is leaving a post, often at term end or retirement, without negative connotation.
大臣が辞任した。
The minister resigned.
会社を辞職した。
I resigned from the company.
任期満了で退任する。
I will step down at the end of my term.
The English phrase 'stepping down' does not translate directly to a single Japanese verb. Choose the appropriate term based on context: resignation, retirement, abdication, or withdrawal.