Yuka撤回、撤去、廃棄 — three words that all involve removing or taking something back. But they describe very different situations!
Rei撤回 (tekkai) is withdrawing a statement or proposal. 撤去 (tekkyo) is physically removing an object or structure. 廃棄 (haiki) is disposing of / scrapping something entirely.
| 撤回 (tekkai) | 撤去 (tekkyo) | 廃棄 (haiki) | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Meaning | Withdraw / retract (words, proposals) | Remove / take down (physical objects) | Dispose of / scrap / discard |
| Applied to | Statements, requests, bills, claims | Signs, buildings, equipment, troops | Documents, products, waste, weapons |
| Example | 発言を撤回する。 | 看板を撤去する。 | 古い書類を廃棄する。 |
撤回 — Withdrawing Words or Proposals
撤回 (tekkai) means to take back or retract — specifically a statement, proposal, claim, or motion. It applies to intangible things: words, arguments, requests.
- その発言を撤回します。— I withdraw that statement.
- 提案を撤回せざるを得なかった。— I had no choice but to withdraw my proposal.
- 告訴を撤回した。— The lawsuit was withdrawn.
撤去 — Physically Removing Something
撤去 (tekkyo) means to physically remove or take down an object, structure, or installation. It is used for signs, equipment, military forces, and illegal structures.
- 不法駐車の車を撤去した。— The illegally parked car was removed.
- 看板の撤去を命じられた。— We were ordered to remove the sign.
- 軍が撤去した。— The military withdrew/pulled out.
廃棄 — Disposing of / Scrapping
廃棄 (haiki) means to discard, dispose of, or scrap something — getting rid of it entirely. Used for documents, expired products, nuclear weapons, and waste.
- 個人情報を含む書類は廃棄してください。— Please dispose of documents containing personal information.
- 賞味期限切れの食品を廃棄した。— Expired food was disposed of.
- 核兵器の廃棄交渉。— Negotiations for nuclear disarmament (disposal of nuclear weapons).
Quick Summary
| Action | Word |
|---|---|
| Take back what you said | 撤回 |
| Remove a physical structure or object | 撤去 |
| Throw away / destroy permanently | 廃棄 |
Common Mistakes for English Speakers
English “remove” covers 撤去 and partly 廃棄, and “withdraw” covers 撤回 and 撤去. In Japanese these are kept distinct. You cannot 撤回 a building or 撤去 a statement.
Quick Quiz
Which word means to retract a statement you made in a meeting?
Answer: 撤回 — 発言を撤回します。
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