Translation guide
To formally put an end to a system, practice, or institution. In Japanese, the most common and versatile verb is 廃止する, used for laws, rules, and systems. For more forceful or complete elimination, especially of social structures or customs, 撤廃する is used. 廃する is a formal, written term often seen in legal or historical contexts.
The most common meaning: to officially stop a rule, system, or established practice.
The standard, neutral term for abolishing laws, regulations, systems, or practices. Used in both spoken and written Japanese.
その法律は来年廃止される予定です。
That law is scheduled to be abolished next year.
政府は古い制度を廃止した。
The government abolished the old system.
Implies a more thorough or forceful removal, often used for social structures, customs, or deeply rooted systems. Common in news and formal contexts.
死刑制度の撤廃を求める声が高まっている。
Calls for the abolition of the death penalty are growing.
その慣行は完全に撤廃された。
That practice was completely abolished.
A formal, literary term often used in legal or historical documents. Less common in everyday speech.
旧制度を廃し、新たな体制を築く。
Abolish the old system and build a new structure.
Focuses on doing away with long-standing social norms or cultural practices.
Best for abolishing customs, traditions, or social systems. Carries a sense of complete removal.
その国では奴隷制が19世紀に撤廃された。
Slavery was abolished in that country in the 19th century.
Also possible, but slightly less forceful than 撤廃する for deeply rooted customs.
その祭りは安全上の理由で廃止された。
The festival was abolished for safety reasons.
To formally eliminate a job, role, or institution.
Used for abolishing positions, departments, or organizations.
その役職は予算削減のため廃止された。
The position was abolished due to budget cuts.
Formal alternative, often in historical contexts.
王政を廃して共和国となった。
They abolished the monarchy and became a republic.
廃止する is the general term for abolishing laws, systems, or practices. 撤廃する implies a more thorough elimination, often used for social systems like slavery or the death penalty. In many cases they are interchangeable, but 撤廃する carries a stronger nuance of complete removal.
その規則は廃止された。
The rule was abolished.
その制度は撤廃された。
The system was abolished (completely removed).
Do not use 無くす (なくす) for formal abolition; it means 'to get rid of' in a general sense and lacks the official, systematic nuance. For example, 'abolish a law' should be 法律を廃止する, not 法律を無くす.