Leaving your place of duty before the official finish time due to specific circumstances.
Word in 30 Seconds
- Leaving school or work before the scheduled end time.
- Often requires a valid reason like illness or emergency.
- Usually involves reporting to a superior or teacher.
Overview
- 1概要：早退（そうたい）は、本来定められた拘束時間（授業や勤務時間など）を全うせず、途中でその場を離れる行為を指します。単に「早く帰る」という日常的な動作とは異なり、組織的なルールや予定が前提にある文脈で用いられます。2) 使用パターン：主に「体調不良のため早退する」「急用で早退する」といった理由を伴って使われることが一般的です。また、「早退届（そうたいとどけ）」という書類を提出する手続きが必要な場合も多く、フォーマルな文脈での使用頻度が高い言葉です。3) 一般的な文脈：学校の保健室、職場の総務部、あるいは上司への報告などで頻出します。特にビジネスシーンでは、無断で早退することはマナー違反とされるため、事前の許可や理由の正当性が重視されます。4) 類語との比較：単に「早く帰る」と言うと日常的なニュアンスが強いですが、「早退」は「決まった時間までいる義務がある」という前提が強調されます。「中座（ちゅうざ）」は会議などを一時的に抜けることを指すため、完全にその場を離れる「早退」とは区別されます。
Examples
体調が悪いので、早退してもいいですか？
everydayI'm not feeling well, may I leave early?
本日、急用のため早退させていただきます。
formalI will be leaving early today due to an emergency.
頭痛がひどいから早退するよ。
informalI have a bad headache, so I'm leaving early.
研究室の学生が体調不良により早退した。
academicThe student in the lab left early due to illness.
Common Collocations
Common Phrases
早退届
Form for leaving early
無断早退
Leaving early without permission
Often Confused With
Used for temporarily leaving a meeting or event, not for going home permanently for the day.
A more colloquial term for leaving early, often used in informal settings or specific industries.
Grammar Patterns
How to Use It
Usage Notes
Use 'soutai' primarily in formal or semi-formal settings like school or work. It is a noun-verb construction that implies a breach of standard hours. Always pair it with a valid reason to avoid sounding irresponsible.
Common Mistakes
Learners often use 'soutai' for any situation where they leave a place early. Remember it is specifically for scheduled commitments. Do not use it for leaving a party or a friend's house.
Tips
Use with specific reasons
When using 'soutai suru', always pair it with a reason like 'taichou furyou' (feeling unwell). This makes your request sound professional and justified.
Do not use for social events
Avoid using 'soutai' for parties or casual gatherings. It is reserved for formal environments like schools or workplaces.
Formal reporting culture
In Japan, strict reporting is valued. Even if you are sick, asking for permission to leave early is considered a sign of responsibility.
Word Origin
Derived from 'Sou' (early) and 'Tai' (retreat/withdraw). It has been used in Japanese institutions to denote the formal process of leaving before the end of the day.
Cultural Context
In Japanese work culture, staying until the end of the day is often seen as a sign of dedication. Therefore, 'soutai' is a sensitive word that requires a polite explanation to ensure you are not viewed as lazy.
Memory Tip
Think of 'Sou' (early) and 'Tai' (retreat). You are retreating from your post earlier than the clock says.
Frequently Asked Questions
4 questionsはい、基本的には理由を伝える必要があります。特に職場では、業務への影響を考慮して上司に許可を得るのがマナーです。
早退はその場から完全に帰宅することを指しますが、中座は会議や宴席などを一時的に抜けて、後に戻る可能性がある場合に使われます。
いいえ、無断早退は組織のルール違反となります。必ず責任者に報告し、許可を得てから帰るのが原則です。
「残業（ざんぎょう）」や「居残り（いのこり）」が対照的な概念として使われます。
Test Yourself
熱があるので、今日は___させていただきます。
文脈的に「早退させていただきます」が丁寧で適切です。
会議の途中でどうしても抜けなければならないとき、何と言うのが適切ですか？
会議中の一時的な離脱は「中座」が正しいです。
（体調不良で／早退／します／ので）
「体調不良で早退しますので」が自然な語順です。
Score: /3
Summary
Leaving your place of duty before the official finish time due to specific circumstances.
- Leaving school or work before the scheduled end time.
- Often requires a valid reason like illness or emergency.
- Usually involves reporting to a superior or teacher.
Use with specific reasons
When using 'soutai suru', always pair it with a reason like 'taichou furyou' (feeling unwell). This makes your request sound professional and justified.
Do not use for social events
Avoid using 'soutai' for parties or casual gatherings. It is reserved for formal environments like schools or workplaces.
Formal reporting culture
In Japan, strict reporting is valued. Even if you are sick, asking for permission to leave early is considered a sign of responsibility.
Examples
4 of 4体調が悪いので、早退してもいいですか？
I'm not feeling well, may I leave early?
本日、急用のため早退させていただきます。
I will be leaving early today due to an emergency.
頭痛がひどいから早退するよ。
I have a bad headache, so I'm leaving early.
研究室の学生が体調不良により早退した。
The student in the lab left early due to illness.
Related Content
This Word in Other Languages
Related Vocabulary
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調整
A1The act of making small changes to something to achieve a desired fit, function, or balance. In a work context, it specifically refers to coordinating schedules or aligning different opinions to reach an agreement.
有利な
B1Advantageous or favorable.
承知する
B1To acknowledge, agree; to be aware of and consent to something.
年収
B1Annual income; yearly salary.
応募
B1To apply for a position, a competition, a prize, or a public offer. It indicates a proactive step to participate in something.
応募する
B1To apply for a job or position.
勤怠
B1Attendance record; presence or absence from work.
係員
A2Person in charge; attendant.
～と同時に
B1At the same time as, simultaneously with.
ぎんこういん
A2Bank employee.
