To throw away or abandon something that is no longer needed.
Word in 30 Seconds
- To dispose of unwanted items or trash.
- Can be used for physical objects or abstract concepts.
- A standard, frequently used verb in daily Japanese life.
概要
「捨てる」は、自分の持ち物やゴミなど、もう必要ないものを手放すという動作を表す基本的な動詞です。日常会話で頻繁に使われ、漢字では「捨てる」と書きます。2) 使用パターン: 基本的には「〜を捨てる」という形で使われます。ゴミを捨てる、古い服を捨てるなど、対象は多岐にわたります。また、比喩的な表現として「チャンスを捨てる」「迷いを捨てる」のように、抽象的な概念に対しても使用可能です。3) 一般的な文脈: 掃除や片付けの場面で最もよく耳にします。家庭ゴミの分別や、引っ越しの際の不用品整理などが典型的なシチュエーションです。また、人間関係や仕事において、何かを諦めたり切り捨てたりする際にも使われるため、少し厳しいニュアンスを含むこともあります。4) 類語との比較: 「廃棄する」はより公的で硬い表現であり、工業製品や公的な書類の処分に使われます。「放る（ほうる）」は、投げ捨てるという動作に焦点を当てており、少し乱暴な印象を与えます。「捨てる」はこれらの中間に位置する、最も標準的で汎用性の高い言葉です。
Examples
ゴミを捨てます。
everydayI will throw away the trash.
書類を適切に廃棄処分する。
formalProperly dispose of the documents.
そんな古い服、捨てちゃえよ。
informalJust throw away those old clothes.
彼は夢を捨てることを選んだ。
academicHe chose to abandon his dream.
Common Collocations
Common Phrases
捨て身で挑む
To go for it with all one's might, risking everything
捨て台詞
Parting shot/insult
捨てる神あれば拾う神あり
When one door closes, another opens
Often Confused With
Nageru means to throw. It focuses on the action of tossing something, not necessarily the act of disposing of it.
Haiki-suru is a formal term for disposal, often used in business or industrial contexts.
Grammar Patterns
How to Use It
Usage Notes
Suteru is a neutral verb used in daily life. It is polite enough for most situations when conjugated as sutemasu. Use caution when using it with people, as it implies cold-hearted abandonment.
Common Mistakes
Beginners sometimes confuse it with 'nageru' (to throw). Remember that 'suteru' is about the result of disposal, while 'nageru' is about the physical motion of throwing.
Tips
Use for decluttering
When cleaning your room, use 'suteru' to talk about getting rid of old items. It is a very common word during spring cleaning.
Avoid negative connotations
Be careful when using 'suteru' regarding people or relationships, as it sounds very harsh and implies abandonment.
Strict trash disposal culture
In Japan, trash disposal is highly regulated. You will often see signs about 'gomi o suteru' rules in neighborhoods.
Word Origin
Originates from ancient Japanese verbs meaning to cast away or leave behind. It has been used in this form since the Heian period.
Cultural Context
In Japan, trash disposal is highly ritualized. There are specific days for different types of waste, making 'suteru' a word people use almost every day.
Memory Tip
Think of 'suteru' as 'stew-teru'. You throw the bad ingredients into the stew to get rid of them.
Frequently Asked Questions
4 questions「捨てる」は不要なものを処分する目的に重点があります。「投げる」は物を放り投げるという動作そのものを指し、必ずしも処分する意味は含みません。
はい、「諦める」に近い意味で「希望を捨てる」や、古い習慣を止める「古い考えを捨てる」といった比喩的な使い方もよくされます。
「捨てます」が丁寧形です。よりフォーマルな場では「処分する」や「放棄する」という言葉が選ばれることが多いです。
過去形は「捨てた」です。否定形は「捨てない」となります。
Test Yourself
古い雑誌を___。
不要なものを処分する文脈なので「捨てる」が最適です。
掃除の時に何をする？
掃除のプロセスの一部としてゴミの処分が含まれるためです。
（ゴミを / 私は / 捨てた / 今日）
日本語の基本語順は「主語＋時間＋目的語＋動詞」です。
Score: /3
Summary
To throw away or abandon something that is no longer needed.
- To dispose of unwanted items or trash.
- Can be used for physical objects or abstract concepts.
- A standard, frequently used verb in daily Japanese life.
Use for decluttering
When cleaning your room, use 'suteru' to talk about getting rid of old items. It is a very common word during spring cleaning.
Avoid negative connotations
Be careful when using 'suteru' regarding people or relationships, as it sounds very harsh and implies abandonment.
Strict trash disposal culture
In Japan, trash disposal is highly regulated. You will often see signs about 'gomi o suteru' rules in neighborhoods.
Examples
4 of 4ゴミを捨てます。
I will throw away the trash.
書類を適切に廃棄処分する。
Properly dispose of the documents.
そんな古い服、捨てちゃえよ。
Just throw away those old clothes.
彼は夢を捨てることを選んだ。
He chose to abandon his dream.
Related Content
This Word in Other Languages
Related Vocabulary
More home words
上に
B1Above; on top of.
不在
B1Absent; not present. Not in a particular place.
手頃な
B1Affordable, reasonable (price).
お先に
B1Excuse me for going first; said when leaving before others.
仲介
B1Mediation, agency (e.g., real estate).
あっ
B1Ah!; an exclamation of sudden realization or surprise.
エアコン
A2air conditioner
冷暖房
B1Air conditioning and heating system.
風通しの良い
B1Well-ventilated; airy.
～可
A2Suffix meaning "permitted" or "allowed".
