Translation guide
To give up or admit defeat, especially after a struggle. In Japanese, this is expressed through set phrases, verbs for giving up, or metaphorical expressions.
To concede failure or stop trying, often after effort.
Loanword from English 'give up', commonly used in casual contexts like games or competitions.
もう疲れたからギブアップする。
I'm tired, so I'm throwing in the towel.
Literally 'to surrender', used when admitting defeat in a contest or argument.
ギブアップ is casual and often used in games. 諦める is a general verb for giving up on something. 降参 specifically means surrendering or admitting defeat.
試合でギブアップした。
I threw in the towel during the match.
夢を諦めた。
I gave up on my dream.
議論で降参した。
I threw in the towel in the argument.
You win. I throw in the towel.
General verb for 'to give up', applicable to goals, dreams, or tasks.
何度も失敗したけど、まだ諦めたくない。
I've failed many times, but I don't want to throw in the towel yet.
Idiomatic expression literally meaning 'to throw the spoon', used when giving up on a hopeless situation, often in professional or serious contexts.
医者も匙を投げるような難病だ。
It's an incurable disease that even doctors throw in the towel on.
Colloquial phrase meaning 'I'm stumped' or 'I give up', used when one is at a complete loss.
この問題は難しすぎてお手上げだ。
This problem is too hard; I throw in the towel.