明け渡す

• Reading: あけわたす
• Romaji: akewatasu
• Kanji breakdown: 明 (mei/a) — clear, end, vacate; 渡 (to/wata) — cross, hand over, transfer
• Pronunciation: /a.ke.wa.ta.sɯ/

Meaning

To hand over; to surrender (territory or a position); to vacate (a property). Implies relinquishing control or possession.

A Group 1 (godan) compound verb combining 明ける (to vacate, to end) and 渡す (to hand over). Used in historical, legal, and everyday contexts for surrendering land, vacating an apartment, or stepping down from a position of power. Carries a sense of compulsion or resignation — the subject often gives up reluctantly.

Examples

1. 敗れた城主は城を敵将軍に明け渡すことを余儀なくされた。 The defeated castle lord was forced to hand over the castle to the enemy general.
2. 長年住み慣れたアパートを明け渡す日が、ついにやってきた。 The day finally came to vacate the apartment he had long called home.
3. 社長の座を後継者に明け渡し、彼は静かに第一線から退いた。 He quietly stepped back from the front lines, surrendering the position of company president to his successor.

Usage Guide

Context: history, law, real estate, business

Tone: solemn

Origin & History

Compound of 明ける (to vacate/end a period) and 渡す (to hand over/transfer). The combination emphasises both the completion of one's tenure and the physical act of transferring possession.

Cultural Context

Era: Classical

Generation: Adults

Social background: General