Meaning and Usage
「棄権」(きけん) means to abstain from voting or to renounce a right, often used in formal contexts such as elections, meetings, or competitions. It implies a conscious decision not to participate in a vote or to give up a right, sometimes due to personal reasons or external circumstances.
Common Contexts
- In elections or meetings, 「棄権する」 means to abstain from casting a vote either by choice or necessity.
- In sports or competitions, 「棄権する」 means to forfeit or withdraw, often due to injury or inability to continue.
Collocations and Patterns
- 「選挙で棄権する」: abstain from voting in an election.
- 「試合を棄権する」: forfeit a match.
- 「権利を棄権する」: renounce a right.
Register and Nuance
This word is formal and often appears in written or official contexts. It is not commonly used in casual conversation unless discussing formal events.
Common Mistake
Learners sometimes confuse 「棄権」 with 「欠席」 (けっせき, absence). 「棄権」 specifically involves giving up a right or abstaining from voting, while 「欠席」 simply means not attending an event.