Translation guide
The English word "dismissal" covers several distinct concepts: firing someone from a job, rejecting an idea or suggestion, allowing someone to leave, and legal termination of a case. Each meaning has different natural Japanese expressions.
Terminating someone's employment, often formally or as a disciplinary action.
The standard term for dismissal from employment. Used in formal and legal contexts.
彼は不正行為で解雇された。
He was dismissed for misconduct.
Colloquial term for being fired. Literally means "neck," but used in phrases like 首になる (to be fired) or 首にする (to fire someone).
彼は会社を首になった。
He got fired from the company.
Formal dismissal from a position, often used for public officials or disciplinary removal.
その公務員は汚職で免職された。
The public official was dismissed for corruption.
Dismissing a proposal, argument, or opinion as unworthy of consideration.
Formal rejection of a proposal, motion, or application. Often used in official or business settings.
彼の提案はすぐに却下された。
His proposal was dismissed immediately.
To not take something seriously; to brush off or ignore. Literally "not take up."
彼女は私の意見を取り合わなかった。
She dismissed my opinion.
To reject outright; to dismiss with a single kick (metaphorically). Stronger and more literary.
彼はその批判を一蹴した。
He dismissed the criticism with a wave of his hand.
Giving permission to go, such as dismissing a class or a meeting.
To dismiss a gathering, meeting, or group. Commonly used for classes, assemblies, or teams.
先生は生徒たちを解散させた。
The teacher dismissed the students.
To permit someone to leave a room or formal setting. More literal and polite.
裁判官は証人の退出を許した。
The judge dismissed the witness.
To dismiss someone from one's presence, often used in hierarchical or traditional contexts.
王は家来を下がらせた。
The king dismissed his retainer.
A court's decision to terminate a lawsuit or charges without further hearing.
Dismissal of a case or motion by a court, often without a trial on the merits. Same word as for rejecting a proposal.
訴訟は証拠不十分で却下された。
The lawsuit was dismissed due to insufficient evidence.
Dismissal of a claim or appeal after consideration, often on the merits. Slightly different from 却下, which is procedural.
解雇 is the formal, legal term for dismissal from employment. 首 is a colloquial, everyday expression. Use 解雇 in official documents or news, and 首 in casual conversation.
解雇通知を受け取った。
I received a dismissal notice.
また遅刻したら首だよ。
If you're late again, you're fired.
In Japanese law, 却下 (きゃっか) is a dismissal without examining the merits (e.g., procedural flaws), while 棄却 (ききゃく) is a dismissal after examining the merits. In everyday use, 却下 is more common for rejecting proposals.
The judge dismissed the appeal.