Translation guide
The English verb "suspend" has several distinct meanings. This guide covers the most common ones: to hang something, to temporarily stop or postpone, and to remove someone from a position or activity as a penalty. Each meaning uses different Japanese expressions.
To attach something so that it hangs down from a support.
The most common verb for suspending an object by hanging it from above. Used for things like lanterns, hammocks, or signs.
I suspended a lantern from a tree branch.
To hang something so it dangles loosely. Often used for hanging objects from one's hand or a hook.
He had a key suspended from his belt.
A technical or formal term for suspending something, often used in engineering or scientific contexts.
The bridge is suspended by cables.
To officially stop something for a period of time; to put on hold.
To interrupt or suspend an ongoing activity, with the expectation of resuming later. Common for meetings, services, or work.
The game was suspended due to bad weather.
To halt or suspend operations, often used for services, systems, or rights. Can be temporary or indefinite.
To postpone or defer an event to a later date. Focuses on rescheduling rather than just pausing.
To put a decision or matter on hold; to leave pending. Often used in formal or business contexts.
The matter has been suspended (left pending).
To officially bar someone from a job, school, or activity for a period of time as punishment.
To suspend someone from their job. Used in workplace contexts.
He was suspended from work for misconduct.
To suspend a student from school. The standard term in educational settings.
To suspend an athlete from participating in games. Common in sports contexts.
To suspend someone's license or professional qualification. Used for doctors, lawyers, etc.
中断 (ちゅうだん) implies a temporary pause with intention to resume. 停止 (ていし) can be temporary or permanent, often used for mechanical or systemic stops. 延期 (えんき) specifically means postponement to a later date.
Do not use 吊るす or other hanging verbs for suspension from school or work. Use the specific terms 停学 (ていがく) or 停職 (ていしょく).
The company suspended the project temporarily.
The meeting was suspended until next week.
The student was suspended from school for fighting.
The athlete was suspended from competition for doping.
The doctor was suspended from practice for malpractice.