Translation guide
The English word "detached" has several distinct meanings. This guide covers the most common uses: physical separation, emotional distance, and objective impartiality. It also includes a note on the architectural meaning.
Describing something that is not attached to something else, or has become separated.
a detached garage · the button is detached · the sticker came detached
General phrase meaning 'is separated' or 'is detached'. Used for physical distance or lack of connection.
ガレージは家から離れている。
The garage is detached from the house.
Means 'has come off' or 'is detached'. Often used for parts that should be attached but aren't.
ボタンが外れている。
The button is detached.
Means 'has come off' or 'is detached', often implying it was once attached. Common in casual speech.
シールが取れている。
The sticker is detached.
Means 'separated' or 'detached'. More formal or technical, often used in scientific or mechanical contexts.
分離した部品を確認してください。
Please check the detached parts.
Describing a person who does not show emotion or is not personally involved in a situation.
a detached observer · she remained detached during the argument · a detached analysis
Means 'calm' or 'composed'. Often used to describe someone who remains detached and unemotional in a difficult situation.
彼はいつも冷静な態度を取る。
He always takes a detached attitude.
Means 'objective'. Implies a detached, unbiased perspective, often in analysis or judgment.
客観的な意見が必要だ。
We need a detached opinion.
Literally 'without mixing in emotions'. Used to describe speaking or acting in a detached, unemotional manner.
感情を交えずに事実を述べた。
He stated the facts in a detached manner.
Means 'indifferent' or 'apathetic'. Stronger than 'detached', often with a negative connotation of not caring.
Can sound too negative if you mean 'objective' or 'calm'. Use carefully.
彼は政治に無関心なようだ。
He seems detached from politics.
Describing a viewpoint or judgment that is fair and not influenced by personal feelings.
a detached assessment · take a detached view
Means 'fair' or 'impartial'. Commonly used for detached judgment or treatment.
公平な立場から判断する。
Judge from a detached standpoint.
Means 'neutral'. Often used in contexts like mediation or reporting, implying a detached, unbiased position.
中立的な立場を保つ。
Maintain a detached position.
Describing a building that is not joined to another building; a standalone house.
a detached house · detached property
Refers to a detached house (as opposed to an apartment or attached house). Very common in real estate.
一戸建ての家を買いたい。
I want to buy a detached house.
Literally 'independent house'. Can be used to describe a detached dwelling.
独立した家に住んでいる。
I live in a detached house.
These all mean 'detached' but differ in nuance. 離れている (hanareteiru) implies a spatial separation or distance, often by design. 外れている (hazureteiru) suggests something is not in its proper place or has come loose. 取れている (toreteiru) is more casual and often means something has come off completely, sometimes accidentally.
Direct translations like 分離した (bunri shita) can sound technical or unnatural in everyday conversation. Use the state-describing verbs 離れている, 外れている, or 取れている instead for physical detachment.