Synonym Nuance VS
How to say "Retirement" in Japanese
Both words can translate to "retirement", but which should you choose?
Japanese Option A
退職
たいしょく (taishoku)
N3 / CEFR Syllabus
VS
Japanese Option B
定年
ていねん (teinen)
N3 / CEFR Syllabus
Nuance Contrast & Translation Difference
When translating "retirement" into Japanese, you must choose carefully between 退職 and 定年.
In Japanese, 退職 (たいしょく (taishoku)) is typically associated with "retirement; resignation; leaving job" (Syllabus Level: N3) and represents Refers to retiring or resigning from one's job/company. Can be used with する as a verb.
On the other hand, 定年 (ていねん (teinen)) maps to "retirement age" (Syllabus Level: N3) and represents A noun specifically referring to the fixed age at which one is required to retire from a company or job according to company regulations. Often used in phrases like 「定年退職」. A literal translation of "retirement" can often sound unnatural to native Japanese speakers if mixed up!
Bilingual Context for "退職"
定年を迎えた父は、先月無事に会社を退職しました。
My father, who reached retirement age, successfully retired from the company last month.
Bilingual Context for "定年"
彼は定年まであと5年だ。
He has 5 more years until retirement age.
Nuance Mastery Quiz
Which Japanese word perfectly fits this blank space?
Fill in the blank: "定年を迎えた父は、先月無事に会社を ＿＿＿ しました。" (Meaning: "My father, who reached retirement age, successfully retired from the company last month.")
🎉 Correct Answer!
Remember: "退職" fits here because it means "retirement; resignation; leaving job" in the context of: "My father, who reached retirement age, successfully retired from the company last month.". "定年" represents "retirement age".