Meaning
The N1 kanji 撤 (tetsu) primarily conveys the action of removing, withdrawing, or revoking. It is mostly used in formal, administrative, or military contexts to signify the taking back, pulling out, or abolishing of something, whether it be troops, a decision, a plan, or equipment. It implies a decisive and often complete act of disengagement or annulment. Mastering this kanji is key to understanding nuanced expressions of retraction and cancellation in advanced Japanese.
From an etymological perspective, 撤 is a phono-semantic compound. The left-hand component, 扌 (てへん - tehen), is the radical for 'hand,' explicitly indicating an action involving physical manipulation or direct intervention. This suggests an active role in the process of removal. The right-hand component, 徹 (テツ - tetsu), serves as both the phonetic element and also contributes a semantic nuance related to 'penetrating' or 'being thorough.' When these two parts combine, 扌 + 徹, the meaning evolves to suggest a 'thorough removal' or 'taking away completely.' While 徹 on its own signifies depth or completeness, its pairing with the hand radical shifts the emphasis. This combination now suggests an active, resolute action of clearing something away, rather than mere penetration or understanding. The visual shape thus connects to its meaning by portraying a 'hand' executing a 'thorough' action of removal. The kanji has 15 strokes and is part of the Jōyō Kanji list but is not assigned a specific school grade (often considered N1 level for JLPT purposes).
Readings
On'yomi (音読み) — Chinese-derived readings
The kanji 撤 has one predominant on'yomi reading, derived from its historical Chinese pronunciation. You'll find this reading almost exclusively in compound words, especially within formal or official terminology related to withdrawing, abolishing, or removing.
テツ (tetsu): This is the primary and almost exclusive on'yomi reading for 撤. It appears predominantly in compound words, especially in formal or official contexts. For example, when combined with other kanji, it forms terms like 撤回 (tekkai, withdrawal/retraction) or 撤廃 (teppai, abolition), which denote a decisive act of taking something back or eliminating it. It rarely appears as a standalone word.
撤回 (tekkai) — withdrawal; retraction; revocation (e.g., of a statement, proposal, or decision)
撤去 (tekkyo) — removal; demolition; clearance (e.g., of an illegal structure, debris, or equipment)
撤退 (tettai) — withdrawal; retreat; evacuation (e.g., of troops from a region, a company from a market)
Kun'yomi (訓読み) — Native Japanese readings
The kanji 撤 does not have a commonly used native Japanese (kun'yomi) reading when used independently. It functions almost exclusively within compound words, leveraging its on'yomi reading テツ. This characteristic is common for many kanji used primarily in more abstract or formal terminology, where the Chinese-derived readings are preferred. Therefore, you won't encounter it paired with okurigana to form a native Japanese verb or adjective, like a standalone verb such as 「撤る」. Instead, its meaning is almost always conveyed through its role in larger lexical units.
Common Words & Compounds
You'll find the kanji 撤 in many important compound words, particularly those related to formal actions of withdrawal, removal, or abolition. Grasping these compounds is essential for understanding its usage in advanced Japanese, as they frequently appear in news, official documents, and academic texts.
Decision & Policy Related
- 撤回 (tekkai) — withdrawal; retraction; revocation. This term is frequently used for taking back a statement, proposal, or a decision that has been made, signifying a change of mind or policy.
- 撤廃 (teppai) — abolition; repeal; elimination. This refers to the act of doing away with a system, regulation, law, or treaty, often implying a complete and permanent removal from existence.
- 撤職 (tesshoku) — dismissal from office; removal from post. This describes the official act of removing someone from their position or job due to misconduct or other reasons.
- 命令撤回 (meirei tekkai) — revocation of an order. This compound specifically refers to the act of rescinding a command or directive, rendering it null and void.
Physical & Military Withdrawal
- 撤去 (tekkyo) — removal; demolition; clearance. This word is used when physically taking away objects, structures, or debris, often due to a legal requirement, safety concern, or practical necessity.
- 撤退 (tettai) — withdrawal; retreat; evacuation. This term applies to various situations, such as troops withdrawing from a conflict zone, a company pulling out of a market, or individuals evacuating a dangerous area.
- 撤収 (tesshū) — withdrawal; pulling out; clearing out. Commonly used for dismantling and removing equipment after an event, or personnel clearing out from a temporary site, often after completing a task.
- 撤兵 (teppei) — withdrawal of troops. This term specifically refers to the movement of military forces out of a particular area, often as part of a peace agreement or strategic repositioning.
Combined & Intensified Forms
- 全面撤退 (zenmen tettai) — complete withdrawal; total retreat. Emphasizes the entirety of the withdrawal, leaving nothing behind in the affected area or market.
- 即時撤退 (sokuji tettai) — immediate withdrawal. Stresses the urgency and promptness of the withdrawal, requiring action without delay.
- 申請撤回 (shinsei tekkai) — withdrawal of an application. Refers to formally taking back a submitted application or request, preventing its further processing.
Example Sentences
政府は新しい政策案を撤回した。
Seifu wa atarashii seisakuan o tekkai shita.
The government withdrew the new policy proposal.
古い建物はまもなく撤去される予定だ。
Furui tatemono wa mamonaku tekkyo sareru yotei da.
The old building is scheduled to be removed soon.
国際企業は市場からの撤退を決定した。
Kokusai kigyō wa ichiba kara no tettai o kettei shita.
The international company decided to withdraw from the market.
その法律は数年前に撤廃された。
Sono hōritsu wa sūnen mae ni teppai sareta.
That law was abolished several years ago.
イベント終了後、スタッフは機材の撤収作業に取り掛かった。
Ivento shūryōgo, sutaffu wa kizai no tesshū sagyō ni torikakatta.
After the event ended, staff began the work of packing up equipment.
大使館は自国民に速やかな撤退を促した。
Taishikan wa jikokumin ni sumiyaka na tettai o unagashita.
The embassy urged its citizens to withdraw promptly.
抗議の声を受け、市長は開発計画の撤回を検討している。
Kōgi no koe o uke, shichō wa kaihatsu keikaku no tekkai o kentō shite iru.
In response to protests, the mayor is considering the retraction of the development plan.
環境保護のため、公園内の不法投棄物を完全に撤去する必要がある。
Kankyō hogo no tame, kōen nai no fuhō tōkibutsu o kanzen ni tekkyo suru hitsuyō ga aru.
For environmental protection, it is necessary to completely remove illegally dumped waste in the park.
今回の発表により、長年の論争に終止符が打たれ、撤廃された制度の意義が再評価されるだろう。
Konkai no happyō ni yori, naganen no ronsō ni shūshifu ga utare, teppai sareta seido no igi ga saihyōka sareru darō.
With this announcement, a long-standing controversy will be put to an end, and the significance of the abolished system will likely be re-evaluated.
予算削減のため、一部の海外支店からの全面撤退が決定された。
Yosan sakugen no tame, ichibu no kaigai shiten kara no zenmen tettai ga kettei sareta.
Due to budget cuts, a complete withdrawal from some overseas branches has been decided.
Memory Tip
To remember 撤, think of the left-hand radical 扌 (tehen), which literally means 'hand.' This hand is performing an action. On the right, you have 徹 (tetsu), which means 'to penetrate' or 'to be thorough.' Imagine using your hand (扌) to thoroughly (徹) remove something from its place. Visualize a firm, decisive action where you physically take something away completely, ensuring nothing is left behind. For instance, picture an army commander giving an order with a firm hand gesture for a thorough (complete) withdrawal of troops from a territory. Or, imagine a city worker using their hands to thoroughly remove all debris from a construction site. This combination effectively conveys the act of complete and decisive removal or withdrawal, leaving no doubt about the finality of the action.