早退 in 30 Sekunden
- 早退 (Soutai) means leaving work or school early.
- It is a formal term used in institutional settings.
- Common reasons include illness, appointments, or emergencies.
- It is the opposite of 'chikoku' (arriving late).
The term 早退 (そうたい - soutai) is a fundamental Japanese noun that describes the act of leaving a place of obligation—specifically school or work—earlier than the officially scheduled time. It is composed of two kanji: 早 (early/fast) and 退 (retreat/withdraw/leave). Together, they literally mean 'early retreat.' In a Japanese social context, where punctuality and staying until the end of the day are highly valued, the act of soutai is usually treated with a level of formality and requires a legitimate reason.
- Grammatical Category
- Noun and Suru-verb (早退する).
- Core Concept
- Leaving before the finish line of the workday or school day.
- Common Contexts
- Offices, elementary through high schools, and formal meetings.
Unlike 'leaving early' in a casual sense (like leaving a party), 早退 specifically applies to institutional settings. If you leave a friend's house early, you wouldn't use this word; you'd simply say saki ni kaeru. However, if you have a fever at 2:00 PM and your shift ends at 5:00 PM, you perform a 早退. It is the counterpart to 遅刻 (chikoku), which means arriving late.
「今日は体調が悪いので、早退させてください。」
(Kyou wa taichou ga warui node, soutai sasete kudasai.) - "Since I'm not feeling well today, please let me leave early."
Historically, the concept of leaving early was strictly regulated in the Japanese education system. Students who 'soutai' frequently might have it noted on their permanent record. In the modern workplace, while more flexible hours (flextime) are becoming common, the specific term 早退 still carries a weight of 'official departure due to necessity.'
「田中さんは法事のために早退しました。」
(Tanaka-san wa houji no tame ni soutai shimashita.) - "Mr. Tanaka left early for a Buddhist memorial service."
- Antonym
- 残業 (Zangyou - Overtime) or 遅刻 (Chikoku - Lateness).
- Synonym (Casual)
- 早上がり (Haya-agari) - often used in part-time jobs.
Using 早退 correctly involves understanding its role as a 'Suru-verb.' You can use it as a standalone noun or attach suru to make it an action. In professional settings, it is almost always paired with polite requests or explanations. Because leaving early can be seen as an inconvenience to the team, it is usually preceded by an apology or a valid reason.
「午後から役所に行くので、3時に早退します。」
(Gogo kara yakusho ni iku node, san-ji ni soutai shimasu.) - "I'm going to the city office in the afternoon, so I'll leave early at 3 o'clock."
When asking for permission, the causative-passive form 早退させていただく (soutai sasete itadaku) is the gold standard for politeness. This translates roughly to 'I will humbly receive the favor of being allowed to leave early.' Using just 'soutai shimasu' can sound a bit too direct or assertive depending on your relationship with your boss.
- The 'Reason + Node' Pattern
- [Reason] + ので (node) + 早退します (soutai shimasu).
- The 'Time + Ni' Pattern
- [Time] + に (ni) + 早退します (soutai shimasu).
In school settings, teachers use this word to mark attendance records. If a student leaves after the second period, the teacher will write 早退 in the register. Parents also use it when calling the school: 'My child has a toothache, so they will leave early today.'
「熱があるので、学校を早退しました。」
(Netsu ga aru node, gakkou o soutai shimashita.) - "I had a fever, so I left school early."
You will encounter 早退 primarily in environments governed by a clock. The most common place is the Japanese office. During morning meetings (chourei), an employee might announce their intention to leave early. Alternatively, you might hear a manager asking, 'Where is Sato-san?' and a colleague responding, 'He left early due to a family emergency.'
「佐藤さんは急用で早退されました。」
(Sato-san wa kyuuyou de soutai saremashita.) - "Mr. Sato left early due to urgent business."
In schools, the word is ubiquitous. It's part of the 'Attendance, Lateness, Early Leaving, and Absence' (Shusseki, Chikoku, Soutai, Kekkeski) quartet that defines a student's record. You'll hear it in the nurse's office (hoken-shitsu) when a nurse decides a student is too sick to stay. 'You should go home early' would be 'Soutai shita hou ga ii desu ne.'
- Office Announcements
- 'I will be leaving early today at 4 PM.'
- School Intercoms
- 'Student X is leaving early, please bring their bags to the office.'
- HR Systems
- Buttons in time-card apps often have a '早退' option.
Television dramas, especially 'slice of life' or 'office' genres, frequently use this word to create plot points—perhaps a character leaves early to catch a secret meeting or because they are hiding an illness. It serves as a narrative device to show a break in the normal routine.
One of the most frequent mistakes learners make is using 早退 for any instance of leaving early. Remember: it is strictly for leaving a place where you have a set schedule (work/school). If you leave a restaurant before your friends, saying 'soutai shimasu' would sound very strange and overly formal, as if the dinner was a mandatory shift.
❌ 「パーティーを早退します。」
(Incorrect: I will 'soutai' the party.)
Another mistake is confusing 早退 (soutai) with 早上がり (haya-agari). While they both mean leaving early, haya-agari is typically used for shift work, like at a convenience store or restaurant, where the manager tells you, 'We aren't busy, so you can finish early.' Soutai usually implies the individual's choice or necessity (illness, errand), whereas haya-agari often implies the employer's permission or a shift ending sooner than expected.
- Soutai vs. Chikoku
- Don't mix them up! Soutai = Leave early. Chikoku = Arrive late.
- Soutai vs. Kesseki
- Soutai = You showed up but left. Kesseki = You never showed up at all.
Finally, watch out for the kanji. 早退 is sometimes confused with 早待 (not a word) or 走退. The second kanji tai (退) is the same as in taishoku (retiring/leaving a job) and tai-in (leaving the hospital). It always carries the meaning of 'stepping back' or 'leaving a place.'
To truly master 早退, you should understand its synonyms and related terms. Each has a specific nuance that depends on the situation and the level of formality required.
- 早引け (Hayabike)
- This is an older, slightly more colloquial term for leaving school early. It's less common in modern business but still heard in school contexts or among older generations.
- 早上がり (Haya-agari)
- As mentioned, this is common in 'baito' (part-time job) culture. It sounds a bit more positive, like 'getting off early.'
- 中座 (Chuuza)
- This means to leave in the middle of a meeting or a performance. It's very formal. If you are in a board meeting and need to leave for 10 minutes to take a call, you are 'chuuza-ing.'
- お先に失礼します (Osaki ni shitsurei shimasu)
- While not a noun like soutai, this is the set phrase everyone uses when leaving. Even if you are leaving 'early' (soutai), you must say this to your colleagues.
Understanding the difference between 早退 and 退社 (taisha) is also vital. Taisha can mean leaving the office for the day (at the normal time) OR resigning from the company entirely. Soutai specifically highlights that the departure is earlier than it should be.
「今日は定時より前に早退させていただきます。」
(Kyou wa teiji yori mae ni soutai sasete itadakimasu.) - "I will take the liberty of leaving early before the regular closing time today."
How Formal Is It?
Schwierigkeitsgrad
Wichtige Grammatik
Causative-Passive (~saserareru)
Humble language (Kenjougo)
Reason markers (~node, ~kara, ~tame)
Time particles (ni, kara, made)
Beispiele nach Niveau
学校を早退します。
I will leave school early.
Object (School) + を + soutai shimasu.
体調が悪いので、早退します。
I feel sick, so I'll leave early.
Reason + node (so) + soutai shimasu.
3時に早退しました。
I left early at 3 o'clock.
Time + ni + soutai shimashita (past tense).
早退してもいいですか？
May I leave early?
~te mo ii desu ka (Asking permission).
田中さんは早退です。
Mr. Tanaka is leaving early (or has left early).
Noun + desu.
今日は早退したいです。
I want to leave early today.
~tai (want to).
風邪で早退しました。
I left early because of a cold.
Cause (Cold) + de.
早く帰ることを早退と言います。
Leaving early is called 'soutai'.
Definition pattern.
役所に行くので、1時間早退します。
I'm going to the city office, so I'll leave an hour early.
Duration + soutai suru.
子供が熱を出したので、早退させてください。
My child has a fever, so please let me leave early.
Soutai sasete kudasai (Causative request).
明日は用事があるので、早退するつもりです。
I have an errand tomorrow, so I intend to leave early.
V-dictionary form + tsumori (intention).
早退届を書いてください。
Please write an early departure notice.
Soutai-todoke (Noun compound).
彼は気分が悪くなって早退したそうです。
I heard he felt sick and left early.
~sou desu (I heard that...).
会議の前に早退しなければなりません。
I have to leave early before the meeting.
~nakereba narimasen (Must).
早退するのは今回が初めてです。
This is the first time I've left early.
V-short form + no wa... (Nominalization).
雨がひどいので、みんな早退しました。
The rain was heavy, so everyone left early.
Group action.
急用ができたため、申し訳ありませんが早退させていただきます。
Due to urgent business, I apologize, but I will be leaving early.
Tame (formal reason) + humble request.
早退した分の仕事は、明日早めに来て終わらせます。
I will finish the work from my early departure by coming in early tomorrow.
Soutai shita bun (The portion of work missed).
学校を早退する際は、保護者の連絡が必要です。
When leaving school early, contact from a guardian is necessary.
V-short + sai wa (When/Upon).
彼は体調不良を理由に、頻繁に早退している。
He frequently leaves early citing poor health.
~o riyuu ni (Citing ... as a reason).
早退したにもかかわらず、給料が引かれていなかった。
Despite leaving early, my salary wasn't deducted.
~ni kakawarazu (Despite).
先生に許可をもらってから早退してください。
Please leave early after getting permission from the teacher.
~te kara (After doing...).
早退の理由を詳しく聞かれた。
I was asked for the reason for my early departure in detail.
Passive voice (kikareta).
午後の授業を早退して、歯医者に行きました。
I left the afternoon classes early and went to the dentist.
Te-form for sequence.
プロジェクトの締め切り間近に早退するのは心苦しいのですが。
It pains me to leave early with the project deadline approaching, but...
Kokoro-gurushii (Painful/Guilty feeling).
早退が重なると、成績に影響する可能性があります。
If early departures pile up, there's a possibility it will affect your grades.
V-dictionary + kanousei ga aru.
冠婚葬祭などのやむを得ない事情で早退する場合、事前に申請してください。
If leaving early due to unavoidable circumstances such as weddings or funerals, please apply in advance.
Yamu o enai (Unavoidable).
彼は会議の途中で早退せざるを得なかった。
He had no choice but to leave early in the middle of the meeting.
~zaru o enakatta (Had no choice but to).
早退を認めるかどうかは、上司の判断に委ねられている。
Whether to permit leaving early is left to the supervisor's discretion.
~ni yudane rarete iru (Is left to...).
フレックスタイム制の導入により、「早退」という概念が薄れてきた。
With the introduction of flextime, the concept of 'leaving early' has faded.
~no dounyuu ni yori (Due to the introduction of...).
早退した日の分の給与は、時給換算で控除されます。
The salary for the portion of the day left early will be deducted based on an hourly rate.
Koujo sareru (To be deducted).
彼は家の用事で早退したが、実際は試合を見に行ったらしい。
He left early for family business, but apparently, he actually went to see a game.
Rashii (Apparently).
就業規則によれば、無断早退は懲戒処分の対象となり得る。
According to the work regulations, leaving early without notice can be subject to disciplinary action.
Tari-uru (Can/Is possible).
育児短時間勤務制度を利用しているため、実質的には毎日早退している形になる。
Because I use the reduced working hours system for childcare, it effectively takes the form of leaving early every day.
Jisshitsu-teki ni (Effectively/In substance).
早退の是非を巡って、社内で議論が巻き起こった。
A debate arose within the company regarding the pros and cons of leaving early.
~o megutte (Concerning/Over).
体調不良による早退を装って、転職の面接に向かった。
Feigning leaving early due to poor health, I headed to a job interview.
~o yosootte (Feigning/Pretending).
労働基準法における早退の扱いは、企業によって細かく規定されている。
The handling of early departure under the Labor Standards Act is strictly stipulated by each company.
Ni okeru (In/Regarding).
早退が常態化している職場環境を改善する必要がある。
It is necessary to improve a workplace environment where leaving early has become the norm.
Joutai-ka (Becoming a normal state).
彼は責任感が強く、どんなに体調が悪くても早退しようとしない。
He has a strong sense of responsibility and won't try to leave early no matter how sick he is.
Volitional + to shinai (Won't try to).
早退の申請が却下されたことに、彼は強い不満を抱いている。
He harbors strong dissatisfaction over the fact that his request to leave early was rejected.
Kyakka (Rejection).
「早退」という一言の裏には、個人の葛藤や組織の論理が複雑に絡み合っている。
Behind the single word 'soutai' lie complex intertwining individual conflicts and organizational logic.
Ura ni wa (Behind/Underneath).
近代日本における皆勤賞の伝統が、早退に対する心理的障壁を形成してきたと言える。
It can be said that the tradition of perfect attendance awards in modern Japan has formed a psychological barrier against leaving early.
Shouheki o keisei (Forming a barrier).
早退を余儀なくされた彼の心中を察するに余りある。
It is more than possible to sympathize with the feelings of a man who was forced to leave early.
Ni amari aru (More than enough to...).
形骸化した早退届の制度は、もはや現代の労働実態に即していない。
The system of early departure notices, which has become a mere formality, no longer aligns with modern labor realities.
Keigai-ka (Becoming a shell/formalized).
早退を巡る言説は、その時代の労働観を如実に反映している。
Discourse surrounding leaving early vividly reflects the labor views of the era.
Nyojitsu ni han'ei (Vividly reflecting).
彼は、組織への帰属意識と自己の健康管理の間で、早退という選択肢を常に秤にかけている。
He is constantly weighing the option of leaving early between his sense of belonging to the organization and his own health management.
Hakari ni kakeru (To weigh options).
早退という行為が、時には無言の抗議として機能することもある。
The act of leaving early can sometimes function as a silent protest.
Kinou suru (To function).
社会学的な観点から見れば、早退は単なる時間的欠如ではなく、空間からの逸脱である。
From a sociological perspective, leaving early is not merely a temporal absence but a deviation from space.
Itsudatsu (Deviation).
Häufige Kollokationen
Häufige Phrasen
Wird oft verwechselt mit
Used for shift work/part-time jobs, often implies permission or low workload.
Leaving in the middle of a specific event/meeting, not necessarily the whole day.
Simply leaving the office for the day (normal time) or resigning.
Redewendungen & Ausdrücke
Leicht verwechselbar
Satzmuster
So verwendest du es
Can be used as 'soutai suru' or just 'soutai' (noun).
Often requires a 'soutai-todoke' in Japanese organizations.
Do not use for social gatherings.
- Using 'soutai' for leaving a party or movie.
- Forgetting to add 'suru' when using it as a verb.
- Confusing the kanji '退' with '待' (wait).
- Using 'soutai' when you were actually absent the whole day (that's 'kesseki').
- Not using polite forms when speaking to a superior about leaving early.
Tipps
The Apology
Even if you have a doctor's note, always start with 'Moushiwake arimasen ga...' (I'm sorry, but...) when requesting a soutai.
Suru-Verb
Remember that 'soutai' is a noun. To make it a verb, just add 'suru'. 'Soutai-suru' = to leave early.
Kanji Breakdown
Focus on '退' (leave). You see it in 'taishoku' (quit job) and 'tai-in' (leave hospital). It's a key kanji for 'exiting'.
Be Specific
When you 'soutai', people will ask 'Why?'. Have a simple reason ready like 'byouin' (hospital) or 'shiyou' (personal business).
Email Subject
In a business email, a subject like '【早退のご連絡】' (Notice of early departure) is very professional.
Context Clues
If you hear 'soutai' in a science lecture, it might mean 'relativity'. In an office, it always means leaving early.
Pairing
Learn 'soutai' together with 'chikoku' (late) and 'kesseki' (absent). They are a set.
Soutai vs. Haya-agari
Use 'soutai' for your office job. Use 'haya-agari' for your shift at the cafe.
Handover
Before you 'soutai', tell your colleague: 'Ato wa yoroshiku onegaishimasu' (I leave the rest to you).
JLPT Tip
This word often appears in the listening section of JLPT N4/N5 in school or office scenarios.
Einprägen
Wortherkunft
Kultureller Kontext
During flu season, 'soutai' rates skyrocket in Japanese schools.
The 'hoken-shitsu' (nurse's office) is the primary place where 'soutai' is decided for students.
Always apologize to your team before leaving early, even if you have permission.
Im Alltag üben
Kontexte aus dem Alltag
Gesprächseinstiege
"今日は早退する予定ですか？ (Are you planning to leave early today?)"
"早退の理由は何と言えばいいでしょうか？ (What should I say is the reason for leaving early?)"
"昨日、早退したって聞きましたけど、大丈夫ですか？ (I heard you left early yesterday, are you okay?)"
"早退届はどこに出せばいいですか？ (Where should I submit the early departure notice?)"
"急に早退しなければならなくなりました。 (I suddenly have to leave early.)"
Tagebuch-Impulse
最後に早退したのはいつですか？その理由は何でしたか？ (When was the last time you left early? What was the reason?)
早退することについて、どう感じますか？ (How do you feel about leaving early?)
もし自由に早退できるなら、何をしたいですか？ (If you could leave early freely, what would you want to do?)
自分の国の「早退」の文化について書いてください。 (Write about the 'leaving early' culture in your country.)
早退した日の午後の過ごし方を説明してください。 (Describe how you spend the afternoon on a day you leave early.)
Häufig gestellte Fragen
10 FragenNo, 'soutai' is only for school or work. For a party, use 'saki ni kaeru' or 'chuuza suru' if it's very formal.
Not necessarily, but in Japan, it's usually only done for valid reasons like illness or family emergencies. Doing it too often might look bad on your record.
It is a formal paper or digital form you submit to your company or school to officially record your early departure.
You can say: 'Zutsuu ga suru node, soutai shimashita.'
Yes, often when a character is sick or has a secret mission, they will 'soutai' from school.
'Hayabike' is an older term for leaving school early. 'Soutai' is the standard modern term for both school and work.
No, leaving a hospital is 'tai-in'. 'Soutai' is only for leaving 'obligatory' places like work/school.
Use: 'Soutai sasete itadakemasen ka?' (Could I possibly be allowed to leave early?)
In many Japanese companies, the time you missed will be deducted from your monthly pay unless you use paid leave (yuukyuu).
The most direct opposite in terms of attendance is 'chikoku' (arriving late).
Teste dich selbst 180 Fragen
/ 180 correct
Perfect score!
Summary
早退 is your go-to word for 'leaving early' in professional or educational environments. Always pair it with a reason and use polite forms like 'soutai sasete itadakimasu' to maintain harmony in Japanese social structures.
- 早退 (Soutai) means leaving work or school early.
- It is a formal term used in institutional settings.
- Common reasons include illness, appointments, or emergencies.
- It is the opposite of 'chikoku' (arriving late).
The Apology
Even if you have a doctor's note, always start with 'Moushiwake arimasen ga...' (I'm sorry, but...) when requesting a soutai.
Suru-Verb
Remember that 'soutai' is a noun. To make it a verb, just add 'suru'. 'Soutai-suru' = to leave early.
Kanji Breakdown
Focus on '退' (leave). You see it in 'taishoku' (quit job) and 'tai-in' (leave hospital). It's a key kanji for 'exiting'.
Be Specific
When you 'soutai', people will ask 'Why?'. Have a simple reason ready like 'byouin' (hospital) or 'shiyou' (personal business).
Beispiel
今日は早退します。
Verwandte Inhalte
Dieses Wort in anderen Sprachen
Verwandte Redewendungen
Mehr Work Wörter
欠勤
A1Fehlen am Arbeitsplatz. Abwesenheit von der Arbeit während der regulären Arbeitszeit.
管理
A1Verwaltung oder Management von Dingen oder Situationen. 'Zeitmanagement ist sehr wichtig.'
交代
A1Der Akt des Abwechselns, des Rollentauschs oder des Ersetzens von jemandem. Wird für Schichtarbeit, sportliche Auswechslungen und das Abwechseln verwendet.
申請
A1Der formale Akt der Antragstellung bei einer Behörde oder Organisation. Es beinhaltet meist das Einreichen von Unterlagen.
協会
A1Der Verband hat neue Richtlinien für seine Mitglieder herausgegeben.
理容師
A1Ein lizenzierter Herrenfriseur, der Haare schneidet und Rasuren durchführt.
賞与
A1Eine Sonderzahlung oder ein Bonus, der zusätzlich zum regulären Gehalt gezahlt wird, meist im Sommer und Winter.
打ち合わせ
A1Eine Vorbesprechung oder ein Vorbereitungstreffen. Dient dazu, Details abzustimmen, bevor ein Projekt beginnt.
業務
A1Geschäftsbetrieb oder berufliche Aufgaben, die im Rahmen eines Jobs ausgeführt werden.
大工
A1Ein professioneller Zimmermann, der auf Holzkonstruktionen spezialisiert ist.
