Translation guide
The act of taking something apart, often systematically. In Japanese, the best word depends on what is being dismantled: machinery, structures, organizations, or abstract systems.
To disassemble a physical object into its components, often for repair, recycling, or analysis.
General term for disassembling or breaking down into parts. Used for machines, devices, and also in scientific contexts (e.g., chemical decomposition).
時計を分解して掃除した。
I dismantled the clock and cleaned it.
エンジンを分解するには特殊な工具が必要だ。
You need special tools to dismantle the engine.
Often used for dismantling larger structures (buildings, ships) or scrapping vehicles. Can also mean dissection or breaking up an organization.
古いビルを解体している。
They are dismantling the old building.
船を解体してスクラップにする。
They dismantle the ship for scrap.
Refers to removing or detaching parts, not necessarily full disassembly. Often used for removable components.
パソコンの部品の取り外し方を教えてください。
Please tell me how to remove the computer parts.
To break up or abolish an institution, policy, or abstract framework.
Used for disbanding organizations, dissolving systems, or breaking up structures (e.g., political, social).
その組織は昨年解体された。
That organization was dismantled last year.
古い制度を解体して新しいものを作る。
We will dismantle the old system and create a new one.
Means abolition or discontinuation, often used for laws, systems, or practices. Focuses on ending rather than physically taking apart.
Similar to 廃止 but often implies removal of regulations or barriers. More formal.
To systematically refute or deconstruct an idea.
To refute or shoot down an argument in a debate. Implies defeating the opponent's logic.
彼の主張を論破した。
I dismantled his argument.
Can be used metaphorically for deconstructing theories or systems of thought.
To overthrow or break down (e.g., old customs, stereotypes). More about smashing than systematic deconstruction.
固定観念を打破する。
Dismantle stereotypes.
分解 (bunkai) is for taking apart machines, devices, or chemical breakdown. 解体 (kaitai) is for larger structures (buildings, ships), scrapping, or disbanding organizations. Use 分解 for a clock, 解体 for a building.
Avoid directly translating 'dismantle' as 解体 in all contexts. For arguments, 論破 is more natural. For removing parts, 取り外し may be better.
That law should be dismantled (abolished).
規制を撤廃する。
Dismantle regulations.
その理論を解体して問題点を明らかにする。
We will dismantle that theory and reveal its problems.