Translation guide
The act of formally giving up a right, claim, title, or belief. In Japanese, the expression depends heavily on what is being renounced and the context (legal, religious, personal).
To formally give up a legal right, inheritance, citizenship, or official position.
The standard term for renouncing rights, claims, or property. Used in legal and formal contexts.
彼は相続権を放棄した。
He renounced his inheritance rights.
国籍を放棄する手続きを取った。
I went through the procedure to renounce my citizenship.
Used for declining or renouncing a position, nomination, or offer, often politely.
彼は大統領選への立候補を辞退した。
He renounced his candidacy for the presidential election.
Specifically means renouncing one's right to vote or abstaining from voting.
彼は投票を棄権した。
He renounced his right to vote (abstained).
To publicly declare that one no longer holds a particular belief, religion, or political stance.
Common verb meaning 'to throw away' or 'abandon'. Used for renouncing beliefs or ways of life.
彼は信仰を捨てた。
He renounced his faith.
暴力の道を捨てると誓った。
He vowed to renounce the path of violence.
Using 放棄 with beliefs is more formal and emphatic than 捨てる.
彼は共産主義を放棄した。
He renounced communism.
Specifically means apostasy or renunciation of one's religion. A formal, historical term.
To give up material possessions, desires, or family ties for spiritual reasons, often in Buddhism.
To leave home and become a monk/nun, renouncing secular life. The standard term in Buddhism.
彼はすべてを捨てて出家した。
He renounced everything and became a monk.
Spiritual liberation or emancipation from desires and suffering. Often used in Buddhist contexts.
Literally 'to throw away attachment'. A common phrase for renouncing worldly attachments.
執着を捨てて心の平安を得た。
By renouncing attachments, he attained peace of mind.
To formally withdraw a statement, accusation, or demand.
To withdraw or retract a statement, proposal, or accusation. Often used in official contexts.
彼は前言を撤回した。
He renounced (retracted) his previous statement.
要求を撤回するよう求められた。
He was asked to renounce (withdraw) his demands.
To withdraw a lawsuit, complaint, or application. More specific than 撤回.
放棄 (ほうき) is formal and used for rights, claims, or official status. 捨てる (すてる) is more casual and emotional, used for beliefs, habits, or personal attachments. Using 捨てる for legal rights can sound dramatic or literary.
English 'renunciation' covers many distinct Japanese terms. Avoid directly translating 'renounce' as a single verb. Always consider what is being given up and the context.
Those who renounced the faith were banished from the village.
He devoted himself to ascetic practices seeking renunciation (liberation).
訴訟を取り下げた。
He renounced (withdrew) the lawsuit.