仕事を辞めた
shigoto o yameta
The English phrase "I quit my job" is translated into Japanese as 仕事を辞めた (shigoto o yameta).
This phrase is used to state that you have voluntarily left your place of employment. The core verb, yameru, is versatile and can be used to express quitting many things beyond employment, such as habits, hobbies or a specific action.
What does it mean word for word?
The word yameta is the past tense of the verb yameru, which means to quit or stop.
Which one should you use?
The form 仕事を辞めた is the plain or casual version. In contrast, the dictionary form 仕事を辞める is used to express the act of quitting in the present or future tense.
How does it change in a sentence?
To express the act of quitting in the present or future tense, use the dictionary form 仕事を辞める.
How do you pronounce it?
shigoto o yameta
Did you know?
- In Japan, employees often use a method called taishoku-daiko where they hire a professional agent to deliver the news that they are quitting. This is used to avoid the high-pressure social confrontation of resigning in person.
- When someone quits a job in Japan, it is common to give a temiyage or small gift to colleagues as a gesture of apology for the inconvenience caused by their departure.
- In Japanese, the kanji for 辞 in 辞める is the same character used in the word 辞書 (jisho), which means 'dictionary'.
Examples in context
- 先月、仕事を辞めた。Sengetsu, shigoto o yameta.I quit my job last month.
- ストレスで仕事を辞めた。Sutoresu de shigoto o yameta.I quit my job due to stress.
Example conversation
Two friends are catching up at a cafe.
- 大翔 Hiroto実は、仕事を辞めたんだ。Jitsu wa, shigoto o yameta n da.Actually, I quit my job.
- 美咲 Misakiえっ、どうしたの？E, doushitano?What? What happened?
- 大翔 Hirotoもっと自由になりたくて。Motto jiyuu ni naritakute.I wanted to be more free.
- 美咲 Misaki大翔くんらしいね。Hiroto-kun rashii ne.That sounds like you, Hiroto.
