Translation guide
The English word "resignation" has two main meanings: (1) the act of quitting a job or position, and (2) the mental state of accepting something unpleasant. These meanings are expressed very differently in Japanese, so it's important to choose the right one based on context.
Expressing the act of formally leaving a job, office, or position.
Expressing a mental state of calmly accepting something undesirable without complaint.
The most direct equivalent for the feeling of resignation. It means giving up or accepting that something cannot be changed, often with a sense of disappointment.
Using 辞職 (resignation from a job) when you mean the feeling of acceptance will cause confusion. Likewise, 諦め (giving up) cannot be used for quitting a job. Always check the context.
× 彼は仕事に諦めを出した。
Incorrect: He submitted his resignation (feeling) to his job.
○ 彼は辞表を出した。
Correct: He submitted his resignation letter.
辞職 is the general term for resigning from a job. 退職 is more formal and often used for retirement or leaving a company after long service. 辞任 is specifically for resigning from a high position or public office. In casual speech, 会社を辞める is most natural.
He resigned as company president.
辞職届を提出した。
I submitted my letter of resignation.
Often used for resigning from a high-level or public office, such as a minister, CEO, or board member. Slightly more formal than 辞職.
首相が辞任を表明した。
The prime minister announced his resignation.
The most common casual way to say "quit my job" or "leave the company." Used in everyday conversation.
来月、会社を辞めるつもりです。
I plan to quit my job next month.
A formal term for leaving a job, often used in official documents or when referring to retirement. Can imply a more permanent departure.
退職金をもらった。
I received a retirement/resignation allowance.
彼の顔には諦めの表情があった。
There was a look of resignation on his face.
諦めが肝心だ。
Resignation is key. (Sometimes you just have to accept things.)
A very common phrase meaning "it can't be helped" or "there's no other way." It conveys a sense of resignation and acceptance of an unavoidable situation.
雨で試合が中止になったが、仕方がない。
The game was canceled due to rain, but it can't be helped. (with a sense of resignation)
Means resigning oneself to fate or giving up resistance. Often used when someone stops fighting against an inevitable outcome.
彼は観念して罪を認めた。
He resigned himself and admitted his guilt.
A literary or philosophical term for a state of clear-eyed resignation or enlightenment through acceptance. Rare in daily speech.
彼は人生に対して諦観の境地に達した。
He reached a state of philosophical resignation toward life.