譲る

• Reading: ゆずる
• Romaji: yuzuru
• Kanji breakdown: 譲 (jō/yuzu) — hand over, yield, concede
• Pronunciation: /jɯ.zɯ.ɾɯ/

Meaning

To hand over; to yield; to concede. To give something to someone or let them have priority.

A Group 1 (godan) transitive verb conjugated with the る row. Used for giving up a seat (席を譲る), handing over property or rights, or making concessions. Also means to yield priority (道を譲る = to yield the way). Conveys a sense of willingness or generosity in giving.

Examples

1. お年寄りに席を譲った。 I gave up my seat to an elderly person.
2. 父は会社の経営を息子に譲った。 My father handed over management of the company to his son.
3. お互いに一歩も譲らなかった。 Neither side would give an inch.

Usage Guide

Context: public transport, business, negotiation

Tone: polite

Origin & History

The kanji 譲 combines 言 (words/speech) and 襄 (assist/yield), suggesting the act of verbally offering something to another person.

Cultural Context

Era: Classical

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal