Translation guide
The English verb "vacate" means to leave a place, position, or seat so that it becomes empty or available. In Japanese, the best translation depends on what is being vacated: a room or building, a seat, a job or position, or a legal property. This guide covers the most natural Japanese expressions for each situation.
To exit a room, house, hotel, or other space so that it becomes empty, often by a certain time.
Formal term for vacating a rented room, apartment, or building. Commonly used in contracts and official notices.
The tenant must vacate the premises by the end of the month.
Literally 'to empty the room'. Used in everyday situations like checking out of a hotel or leaving a room for someone else.
Checkout is at 10, so please vacate your room by then.
Means 'to leave' or 'to go out of' a place. Can be used when telling someone to vacate, but can sound direct or harsh.
Can sound rude if used as a command without softening.
Vacate this place immediately!
Specifically means to evacuate or move out, often under legal or forced circumstances. Used for eviction or clearing a dangerous area.
Residents were ordered to vacate the danger zone.
To get up from a seat so that someone else can use it, or to leave a specific place you are occupying.
Means 'to yield one's seat'. The most natural and polite way to say you are giving up your seat for someone, especially on public transport.
Let's vacate our seats for the elderly.
Literally 'to empty the seat'. Used when you temporarily leave your seat, e.g., at a conference, and intend to return, or when you want someone to free up a seat.
I'll vacate my seat for a moment, but I'll be right back.
Means 'to stand up from one's seat'. Implies leaving the seat, but not necessarily giving it to someone else. Often used when leaving a meeting or event.
To resign from a job, step down from a position, or leave an official role.
Formal term for resigning from a position or office. Used for politicians, executives, etc.
The president vacated his position to take responsibility.
General term for leaving a job or retiring. Suitable for regular employment.
He plans to vacate his job next month.
A more literary or formal way to say 'resign from a post'.
To annul, cancel, or set aside a court decision or legal ruling.
The English verb "vacate" does not have a single direct equivalent in Japanese. Translating it as 空にする (to empty) or 去る (to leave) without context often sounds unnatural. Always choose the expression that matches the specific situation.
to empty a room (not 'vacate' in the sense of leaving)
退去する is the standard formal term for vacating a rented property, while 立ち退く implies forced eviction or evacuation. Use 退去する for normal move-outs and 立ち退く for legal or emergency situations.
It's rude to vacate your seat during a meeting.
He vacated his post, taking responsibility for the scandal.
裁判所はその命令を取り消した。
The court vacated the order.