Translation guide
The act of forcing someone to leave a place or group permanently, often as punishment. In Japanese, the most common and natural way to express this concept depends on the context: exile from a country, expulsion from a group, or being sent away.
Forced removal from one's country, often as a political or criminal punishment.
The most general term for banishment or exile. Can be used for individuals or groups being expelled from a country, organization, or community.
彼は国外追放になった。
He was banished from the country.
その政治家は党を追放された。
The politician was expelled from the party.
Historical term for banishment as a criminal punishment, often to a remote island. Common in period dramas or historical contexts.
彼は流罪に処せられた。
He was sentenced to exile.
Colloquial term for being exiled to an island, often used figuratively for being sent to a remote or undesirable place.
彼は島流しにあった。
He was sent into exile on an island.
会社の島流しで地方支店に飛ばされた。
I was banished to a regional branch office by the company.
Being kicked out of a community, club, company, or social circle.
Same word as above, but used for expulsion from non-national entities. Very versatile.
彼は学校を追放された。
He was expelled from school.
Formal removal of membership, often from an organization or club. Implies striking the name from a list.
Traditional social ostracism in a village community, where a person is cut off from all social interaction except for funerals and firefighting. Now used figuratively for being shunned by a group.
Forced relocation to an undesirable location, often as a form of punishment or demotion within an organization.
Demotion or transfer to a less important post, often in a remote area. Common in corporate contexts.
彼は地方支店に左遷された。
He was relegated to a regional branch office.
Colloquial passive form meaning 'to be sent away' or 'to be transferred against one's will', often to an undesirable location.
彼は北海道に飛ばされた。
He was shipped off to Hokkaido.
Banishing a spirit, demon, or abstract concept; or using 'banishment' in a figurative sense.
Driving away evil spirits or dispersing something unwanted. Often used in exorcism or fantasy contexts.
お札で悪霊を退散させた。
They banished the evil spirit with a talisman.
Sealing away a demon or power, rather than simply driving it away. Common in anime and games.
追放 is a strong word implying formal expulsion. For everyday situations like being left out by friends, use 仲間外れ (なかまはずれ) or 無視 (むし) instead.
追放 means complete expulsion from a group or country, while 左遷 is a demotion or transfer within the same organization, often to a less desirable position. 左遷 does not imply being kicked out entirely.
He was expelled from the club for violating the rules.
彼は地域社会から村八分にされた。
He was ostracized by the local community.
魔王は封印された。
The demon king was sealed away (banished).