Synonym Nuance VS
How to say "Leaving" in Japanese
Both words can translate to "leaving", but which should you choose?
Japanese Option A
早退
そうたい (sōtai)
N3 / CEFR Syllabus
VS
Japanese Option B
退勤
たいきん (taikin)
N3 / CEFR Syllabus
Nuance Contrast & Translation Difference
When translating "leaving" into Japanese, you must choose carefully between 早退 and 退勤.
In Japanese, 早退 (そうたい (sōtai)) is typically associated with "leaving early (from work/school)" (Syllabus Level: N3) and represents Refers to leaving work or school before the official closing time. It is a noun and often used with the verb する.
On the other hand, 退勤 (たいきん (taikin)) maps to "leaving work; clocking out" (Syllabus Level: N3) and represents Refers to leaving the office, finishing one's shift, or clocking out of work. Can be used with する as a verb. A literal translation of "leaving" can often sound unnatural to native Japanese speakers if mixed up!
Bilingual Context for "早退"
体調が悪かったので、会社を早退しました。
I left work early because I wasn't feeling well.
Bilingual Context for "退勤"
定時になったので、タイムカードを押して_______しました。
Since it reached the regular time, I punched the time card and left work.
Nuance Mastery Quiz
Which Japanese word perfectly fits this blank space?
Fill in the blank: "体調が悪かったので、会社を ＿＿＿ しました。" (Meaning: "I left work early because I wasn't feeling well.")
🎉 Correct Answer!
Remember: "早退" fits here because it means "leaving early (from work/school)" in the context of: "I left work early because I wasn't feeling well.". "退勤" represents "leaving work; clocking out".