退
Mnemonic
A footballer takes a brutal tackle and stumbles onto the path behind the stadium. His only option: Retreat. He drags himself down the path, jersey torn, limping away from the pitch — each step a painful withdrawal he knows he can never undo.
Additional thoughts
Picture the footballer's cleats scraping the concrete path as he retreats in shame. The path leads away from the bright stadium lights into darkness — retreat visualized as a one-way exit.Quick recall
An injured footballer limps down the path in retreat from the game.Details
The keyword for 退 is retreat. This kanji conveys the idea of moving backward, withdrawing, or pulling back from a position. It encompasses both physical withdrawal, such as retreating from a battlefield, and more abstract senses like declining, deteriorating, or resigning from a role. It stands in direct contrast to advancing or progressing, emphasizing the act of stepping away or falling back.
- On'yomi
- たい
- Kun'yomi
- しりぞ.く、しりぞ.ける、ひ.く、の.く、の.ける、ど.く