How to say "dismiss" in Japanese
Choosing the right word
- 断ることわるgodan verb, transitive verbCovers 'dismiss' only in the sense of turning down a request, offer, or proposal; it is the everyday word for refusing, and is not used for dismissing people from jobs or positions.
- 免ずるめんずるichidan verb (-zuru), transitive verbCovers 'dismiss' in the sense of removing someone from a position or office; a less common word, and an alternative form of 免じる with the same meaning.
- 免じるめんじるichidan verb, transitive verbAlso means to dismiss someone from a position or office, as when an official is removed from a post; an alternative form of 免ずる with the same meaning, and likewise less common.
- 暇を出すひまをだすexpression, godan verbCovers 'dismiss' in the sense of letting an employee go, that is, firing or discharging a worker; a less common expression used from the employer's side when ending someone's employment.
- 暇をやるひまをやるexpression, godan verbHas the same meaning as 暇を出す: to dismiss an employee, discharging or firing a worker; a less common expression that phrases the same action in a different way.
Use 「断る」 for dismissing a request, offer, or proposal; 「免ずる」 and 「免じる」 for dismissing someone from a position; and 「暇を出す」 or 「暇をやる」 for dismissing or firing an employee.
Usage comparisons are AI-assisted and cross-checked by multiple models; for study reference only
Japanese equivalents
See also
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