退

JLPT N3

Retreat, leave

Readings

On’yomi: タイ (tai)

Kun’yomi: しりぞ(く), しりぞ(ける) (shirizo(ku), shirizo(keru))

• しりぞ(く) – to step back, to retreat, to withdraw • しりぞ(ける) – to reject, to repel, to drive away

Structure

Radical: Purchase the course for full access of this content.

Composition: Purchase the course for full access of this content.

Detailed Explanation

Purchase the course for full access of this content.

Mnemonic

Purchase the course for full access of this content.

Etymology

Purchase the course for full access of this content.

Visual Tip

Purchase the course for full access of this content.

Vocabulary

退く

しりぞく

retreat

退職

たいしょく

retirement

後退

こうたい

retreat

撤退

てったい

withdrawal

退院

たいいん

discharge

Example Sentences

一歩退きます。

いっぽしりぞきます。

I step back.

会社を退職します。

かいしゃをたいしょくします。

I retire from the company.

景気が後退します。

けいきがこうたいします。

The economy declines.

軍が撤退します。

ぐんがてったいします。

The army withdraws.

退院します。

たいいんします。

I am discharged from the hospital.

Cultural Note

🌸 In Japanese culture, 退 (retreat) does not always imply defeat — it often represents wisdom, humility, and timing.
• Phrases like 身を退く (みをひく) mean to step aside gracefully, valuing harmony over ego.
• 退職 (retirement) is seen as an honorable conclusion to one’s career, often celebrated with gratitude.
• The idiom 勇退 (ゆうたい) means “honorable retirement,” symbolizing leaving a position with dignity.
This kanji reflects the Japanese appreciation for balance, timing, and respectful exits.