Translation guide
How to express 'stepping down' from a position, role, or responsibility in Japanese, including resignation, retirement, and voluntary withdrawal.
The president stepped down.
Resignation from a job or post, slightly broader than 辞任. Often used for leaving employment.
He resigned from the company.
Leaving a post, often at the end of a term or upon retirement. Implies a scheduled or honorable departure.
The chairman is stepping down.
To withdraw or step aside, often voluntarily or to take responsibility. Can be used in business or personal contexts.
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.
The athlete announced his retirement.
Voluntary retirement, often to make way for younger people. Carries a nuance of gracefully stepping aside.
The chairman stepped down voluntarily.
To abdicate or relinquish a sovereign or very high position.
To drop out of a race, election, or contest.
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.
The minister resigned.
I resigned from the company.
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.
彼はレースから降りた。
He stepped down from the race.