Translation guide
The act of tearing down a building or structure, or the broader concept of destroying something. In Japanese, the most common word is 解体, but other terms are used depending on context, such as formal legal procedures, explosive demolition, or figurative destruction.
The physical act of dismantling or destroying a building, house, or other structure.
The most common and general word for demolition or dismantling of buildings and structures. Used in everyday contexts, news, and official documents.
古いビルの解体工事が始まった。
Demolition work on the old building has begun.
この建物は来月解体される予定です。
This building is scheduled to be demolished next month.
Literally 'tearing down', often used for houses and smaller buildings. Slightly more casual than 解体, but still common in official notices.
空き家の取り壊しが決まった。
They decided to demolish the vacant house.
Means 'destruction' in a broader sense. When used for buildings, it implies violent or forceful demolition, not careful dismantling. Often used in war or disaster contexts.
地震で多くの建物が破壊された。
Many buildings were destroyed by the earthquake.
The official, often legally mandated process of demolishing a building, especially for safety or code violations.
A formal term used in legal and administrative contexts, such as when a government orders the removal of a dangerous structure.
老朽化した建物の除却命令が出された。
A demolition order was issued for the dilapidated building.
Means 'removal' and is used for structures, but also for objects, equipment, etc. In building contexts, it implies clearing away the remains after demolition or removing temporary structures.
Demolition using explosives or resulting in a sudden collapse, often seen in movies or large-scale projects.
Means 'blasting' or 'explosion'. Used for demolition by explosives. Not for ordinary dismantling.
そのビルは爆破によって解体された。
The building was demolished by explosives.
A technical term specifically meaning 'demolition by blasting'. Used in engineering and construction contexts.
発破解体の技術が進歩している。
Blasting demolition techniques are advancing.
Metaphorical use of 'demolition' to mean completely destroying an argument, reputation, or system.
Literally 'pulverize', used figuratively for completely destroying an opponent's argument or theory.
彼の反論は相手の主張を粉砕した。
His rebuttal demolished the opponent's argument.
Means 'to smash' or 'shatter', used figuratively for hopes, dreams, or reputations.
解体 is the standard word for planned demolition or dismantling. 取り壊し is similar but often used for houses and smaller structures, and can sound more like 'tearing down'. 破壊 implies violent destruction and is not used for routine demolition work.
ビルを解体する (standard demolition)
demolish a building
家を取り壊す (tear down a house)
tear down a house
建物を破壊する (destroy a building, e.g., in war)
destroy a building
The katakana word デモリション exists but is rarely used outside of specific contexts like demolition derbies or video game terminology. It is not the natural way to say 'demolition' of a building.
The illegal structure was removed.
そのスキャンダルは彼の名声を打ち砕いた。
The scandal demolished his reputation.