Translation guide
The English word "retreat" has several distinct meanings. This guide covers the most common ones for learners: military withdrawal, moving back from a situation, a quiet place for rest, and the act of withdrawing from society or an activity.
To describe an army or group pulling back from an enemy or dangerous position.
The standard term for a military retreat or withdrawal. Can be used as a noun or verb (退却する).
敵軍は退却を始めた。
The enemy forces began their retreat.
彼らは山へ退却した。
They retreated into the mountains.
Often used for a strategic withdrawal or pulling out of an area, especially in military or business contexts. Implies a planned removal of forces or assets.
軍はその地域から撤退した。
The military retreated from the area.
Means 'falling back' or 'retreating'. Can be used in military contexts but also more generally for moving backward.
部隊は後退を余儀なくされた。
The unit was forced to retreat.
To describe stepping back, withdrawing from a confrontation, or reversing a position.
To back off or retreat from an argument or confrontation. Often used when someone gives up their position.
彼は議論に負けて引き下がった。
He retreated after losing the argument.
To step back or withdraw. Can be used physically or figuratively.
To retreat or fall back. Used for physical movement or decline.
景気が後退している。
The economy is retreating.
To refer to a peaceful place where one goes to relax, meditate, or escape daily life.
A hideaway or retreat, often a cozy, secluded place. Can be used for a vacation home or a secret spot.
山の中に小さな隠れ家を持っている。
I have a little retreat in the mountains.
Literally 'shelter' or 'refuge'. Can be used for a retreat as a safe place, but often implies escaping danger.
A rest home or sanatorium. Used for a place of convalescence or quiet recuperation.
彼は静養所で週末を過ごした。
He spent the weekend at a retreat.
To describe pulling back from social life, a commitment, or a previous stance.
To shut oneself away, become a recluse. Often used for social withdrawal.
彼は部屋に引きこもってしまった。
He retreated into his room.
To withdraw from a business, project, or commitment. Same word as military withdrawal but used figuratively.
会社は海外市場から撤退した。
The company retreated from overseas markets.
To step down, withdraw from a position or relationship. Literally 'pull one's body'.
退却 (たいきゃく) is a general military retreat, often under pressure. 撤退 (てったい) implies a planned, strategic withdrawal, and is also used in business contexts (e.g., pulling out of a market).
敵の攻撃で退却した。
They retreated due to enemy attack.
不採算事業から撤退する。
Withdraw from an unprofitable business.
English 'retreat' for a peaceful place does not have a single direct equivalent. 隠れ家 (かくれが) is close for a hideaway, but リトリート (retreat as loanword) is sometimes used for organized wellness retreats. Avoid direct translations like 退却所.
ヨガリトリートに参加した。
I joined a yoga retreat.
彼は一歩退いた。
He retreated a step.
The cabin was his mental retreat.
He retreated from the political world.