棄権 and 辞退: Withdrawal, Abstention, and a Declined Offer
Compare withdrawing from a final, three members supporting neither voting side, a health-related tournament withdrawal, and a politely declined offer. Track the object and stated reason.
Withdrawing from a final and supporting neither side
棄権 (きけん) means withdrawal or abstention. 「足を痛めた選手は決勝戦を棄権した。」 — “The injured athlete withdrew from the final.” The injured athlete withdrew from the final. This reason does not define every instance of withdrawal.
「採決では三人の委員が棄権し、賛成にも反対にも票を投じなかった。」 — “Three committee members abstained from the vote, supporting neither side.” Three committee members supported neither side. Their abstentions cannot be counted as three votes against.
A tournament and an appreciated offer declined
辞退 (じたい) means to decline or withdraw. 「体調を考えて大会への出場を辞退した。」 — “I withdrew from the tournament because of my health.” The withdrawal concerns tournament participation and the speaker's health.
「ありがたい申し出だったが、今回は丁寧に辞退した。」 — “I appreciated the offer but politely declined it this time.” The offer was appreciated but politely declined this time. The sentence does not give health, anger, or criticism of the other person as the reason.
The objects of withdrawal or refusal
The 棄権 examples concern participation in a final and taking neither voting side. The 辞退 examples concern tournament participation and an offer. They do not establish exclusive before-entry or after-play stages for the words.
The health-related withdrawal examples do not supply the reason for the separate declined offer. Likewise, abstention remains distinct from opposition; preserve the object and reason stated in each sentence.
Do three committee members' 棄権 count as three votes against?
Show the answer and why
No. They supported neither side, so their abstentions are not votes against. The separate example of 辞退 of an appreciated offer also does not state health as its reason.