辞退

• Reading: じたい
• Romaji: jitai
• Kanji breakdown: 辞 (ji) — resign, decline, word; 退 (tai) — retreat, withdraw
• Pronunciation: /dʑi.ta.i/

Meaning

Refusal; declining an offer or invitation politely. Formal withdrawal from something.

A noun that also functions as a suru verb (辞退する). Used in formal situations to politely decline: 出席を辞退する (to decline attendance), 賞を辞退する (to decline an award), 候補を辞退する (to withdraw candidacy). More polite and formal than 断る (to refuse), implying humility and respect.

Examples

1. 体調が悪くて今回の出張を辞退した。 I wasn't feeling well, so I declined the business trip this time.
2. 彼は個人的な理由で候補を辞退した。 He withdrew his candidacy for personal reasons.
3. 栄誉ある賞を辞退するのは珍しいことだ。 It's rare for someone to decline such a prestigious award.

Usage Guide

Context: business, ceremonies, politics

Tone: respectful

Origin & History

Compound of 辞 (ji, to resign/decline) and 退 (tai, to retreat/withdraw). Together, 'declining and withdrawing' — expressing polite refusal with an element of stepping back.

Cultural Context

Era: Classical

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal