撤退
tettai[te̞t̚ta̠i]
In Japanese, the word for retreat can be expressed in several ways depending on the context, with the default form being 撤退 (tettai). Wiktionary also lists 後退 (kōtai) and 退却 (taikyaku).
Meaning: act of pulling back or withdrawing (noun)
Ways to say it
| Japanese | Romanization (Wiktionary) | IPA |
|---|---|---|
| 撤退 | tettai | [te̞t̚ta̠i] (narrow) |
| 後退 | kōtai | [ko̞ːta̠i] (narrow) |
| 退却 | taikyaku | [ta̠ikʲa̠kɯ̟] (narrow) |
The term 撤退 is the most common way to describe a withdrawal, particularly in a business context such as a company pulling out of a market or a specific project.
Which one should you use?
The choice of word depends on the specific type of retreat: 退却 is used specifically for a military retreat or a tactical withdrawal from a battlefield. 後退 refers to a physical movement backward or a decline/recession in a state or economy. And 撤退 is used when a company or organization withdraws from a business or a specific area of operation.
Related words
How does it change in a sentence?
Similarly, you can form the verb 'to withdraw military forces' using 退却する or 後退する.
How do you pronounce it?
tettai
Did you know?
- While English uses 'retreat' for both a military maneuver and a relaxing getaway, Japanese uses completely different words for a strategic withdrawal and a peaceful mountain retreat.
- The kanji 撤 in 撤退 originally referred to removing or taking down a structure, like a tent or a fence.
- In Japanese business, 撤退 is often paired with the word 戦略的 meaning 'strategic' to soften the blow of a failure and frame the retreat as a clever move.
Examples in context
- 軍隊の撤退が始まった。Guntai no tettai ga hajimatta.The military's retreat has begun.
- 企業が市場から撤退するのは難しい。Kigyou ga shijou kara tettai suru no wa muzukashii.It is difficult for a company to withdraw from a market.
- 不採算部門からの撤退が決まった。Fusai san bumon kara no tettai ga kimatta.The withdrawal from the unprofitable division has been decided.
Example conversation
Two colleagues are discussing a business decision at the office.
- 健太 Kentaあの事業からの撤退が決まったね。Ano jigyou kara no tettai ga kimatta ne.The withdrawal from that business has been decided, hasn't it?
- 陽葵 Himariはい、健太さん。残念ですが仕方ありません。Hai, Kenta-san. Zannen desu ga shikata arimasen.Yes, Kenta. It's a shame, but it can't be helped.
- 健太 Kenta陽葵さんはどう思いますか？Himari-san wa dou omoimasu ka?What do you think, Himari?
- 陽葵 Himari今は守りを固める時期だと思います。Ima wa mamori o katameru jiki da to omoimasu.I think now is the time to strengthen our defenses.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “retreat” translations and entries 撤退, 後退, 退却, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
