放棄する

• Reading: ほうきする
• Romaji: houki suru
• Kanji breakdown: 放 (hou) — release, let go; 棄 (ki) — discard, abandon
• Pronunciation: /hoː.ki.sɯ.ɾɯ/

Meaning

To abandon; to give up or relinquish a right, claim, or responsibility.

A Group 3 (suru) compound verb combining 放棄 (abandonment/renunciation) with する. Used in legal (権利放棄, waiver of rights), political (戦争放棄, renunciation of war — as in Article 9 of Japan's constitution), and everyday contexts. Implies a deliberate, often permanent decision to let go.

Examples

1. 試合の途中で選手が出場を放棄した。 An athlete withdrew from the competition mid-match.
2. 相続権を放棄する手続きを弁護士に相談した。 I consulted a lawyer about the procedure for waiving inheritance rights.
3. 責任を放棄してはいけない。 You must not abandon your responsibilities.

Usage Guide

Context: law, politics, sports, ethics

Tone: serious

Origin & History

From Sino-Japanese 放 (hou, to release/let go) + 棄 (ki, to discard/abandon). Literally 'to release and discard,' emphasising the deliberate act of giving something up entirely.

Cultural Context

Era: Classical

Generation: Adults

Social background: Educated