諦め

What it means

What does 諦め mean? It refers to the act or state of giving up or accepting that a desired outcome is unlikely, often involving a mental adjustment rather than continued effort. It describes choosing to stop pursuing a goal and to move on, or simply accepting a situation as it is.

Main meanings

• State of giving up or renunciation, especially regarding a goal or hope.
• Acceptance of reality; coming to terms with a result or limitation.
• Emotional stance tied to surrender, often linked with the expression 諦めがつく to indicate a settled resignation.

How to use it

Used as a noun to denote the mental state of surrender; common in everyday speech and semi-formal writing when discussing plans, expectations, or disappointments. The related verb 諦める expresses the action of giving up, and fixed expressions like 諦めがつく describe reaching a sense of resignation.