Translation and Meaning of: 引退 - intai

The Japanese word 引退[いんたい] is a term that sparks curiosity not only for its meaning but also for its origin and daily use. If you're here, you probably want to understand more about this expression, which can be translated as "to remove" or "to withdraw," but goes far beyond that. In this article, we will explore the etymology, the pictogram, the meaning, and the origin of 引退, as well as practical tips for memorizing it and using it correctly. If you use Anki or another spaced repetition program, you'll love the example sentences we've prepared to boost your studies.

Did you know that 引退 is often associated with the world of sports and celebrities in Japan? Indeed, this word carries an interesting cultural weight, and understanding its context may be the key to using it like a native. Let's unravel all of this below, from the radicals that make it up to the moments when it appears in everyday conversations.

Etymology and Composition of 引退

The word 引退 is formed by two kanji: 引 (in, to pull) and 退 (tai, to retreat). Together, they convey the meaning of "to withdraw" or "to step away from a position." The first kanji, 引, appears in words like 引く (hiku, to pull) and 引用 (in'you, citation), while the second, 退, is used in such as 退職 (taishoku, retirement) and 退院 (taiin, hospital discharge). The combination of these ideograms reinforces the idea of a backward movement, whether physical or metaphorical.

Interestingly, the radical of 退 is ⻍ (shinnyou), which represents a foot moving backward. This visual detail helps to understand why this kanji is linked to concepts like retreat and withdrawal. On the other hand, 引 has the radical 弓 (yumi, bow), which refers to the action of pulling a string. When you see these kanjis together, it becomes easier to associate 引退 with a deliberate exit from an active scenario.

Use and Cultural Context

In Japan, 引退 is a word that often appears in formal and even emotional contexts. Athletes, artists, and even politicians use this term to announce that they are retiring or leaving their careers. For example, when a sumo wrestler decides to end his career, he holds a 引退相撲 (intai zumou), a farewell ceremony full of tradition. This type of usage shows how the word is deeply rooted in significant moments of public and private life.

But don’t think that 引退 is limited to major events. It can also be used in a more casual way, like when someone decides to step back from a hobby or social group. Imagine a classmate who leaves a chess club at school—he might say 「チェスクラブから引退する」 (I'm retiring from the chess club). The tone here is less solemn, but it still conveys the idea of a closure.

Tips for Memorizing and Using 引退

A great way to fix 引退 is to create visual associations with its kanjis. Imagine someone pulling (引) a suitcase backward (退) when leaving a place. This simple image can help the meaning of "to retire." Another tip is to practice with real sentences, such as 「彼は去年引退しました」 (Kare wa kyonen intai shimashita, "He retired last year"). Repeating it out loud also strengthens memorization.

If you enjoy fun facts, know that 引退 sometimes becomes a joke among friends. A Japanese person might jokingly say 「今日から甘いものから引退する」 (Kyou kara amai mono kara intai suru, "Starting today, I'm retiring from sweets"), even if they don't mean it seriously. This informal usage shows how language can be flexible—and fun! How about trying to create your own sentence with 引退 to practice?

Vocabulary

Expand your vocabulary with related words:

Synonyms and similar words

• 退役 (Taiyaku) - Retirement or deactivation, especially in the military context.
• 引き下がり (Hikishagari) - Withdrawal or retreat, usually in a confrontation context.
• 引き際 (Hikigawa) - Opportune moment to withdraw or stop something.
• 引き払い (Hikihari) - Leave or vacate a place.
• 引き揚げ (Hikiage) - Withdrawal or redemption; it can refer to bringing something back from a situation or location.
• 引き離し (Hikihanashi) - Separation or distancing between people or things.
• 引き退ける (Hikitaqueru) - To scare away or repel someone or something.
• 引き退く (Hikitataku) - Withdraw or move away from a place.
• 引き返す (Hikikaesu) - Go back or return to the starting point.
• 退く (Suginu) - To withdraw, or to distance oneself, often used as an act of retreat or resignation.