Translation guide
DUI (driving under the influence) is a legal concept in English-speaking countries. In Japan, the equivalent is 飲酒運転 (drinking and driving), which is strictly prohibited. This guide explains how to talk about DUI in Japanese, from legal terms to casual conversation.
To refer to the crime of driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs, as a legal charge or offense.
The standard term for drunk driving. It literally means 'drinking alcohol and driving'. It covers both being over the legal limit and driving after any alcohol consumption.
He was arrested for DUI.
A legal term meaning 'driving with alcohol in one's breath'. It refers to driving with a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) above the legal limit but below the level for 'drunken driving'. It is a specific charge under Japanese law.
I paid a fine for DUI (driving with alcohol in my system).
A legal term for 'drunken driving', meaning driving while visibly intoxicated. This is a more serious charge than 酒気帯び運転.
Drunken driving is a serious crime.
The English acronym is sometimes used in Japan, especially in news about foreign countries or in contexts where the English term is recognized. However, it is not a standard Japanese term.
I got busted for DUI in the US.
To describe the action of driving after drinking or using drugs, without necessarily referring to a legal charge.
The verb phrase meaning 'to drink and drive'. It is the most common way to express the act.
Please never drink and drive.
A more literal phrase: 'drink alcohol and drive'. It is less formal than 飲酒運転をする but commonly used in warnings and everyday speech.
A well-known slogan meaning 'If you drink, don't drive'. It is a concise, memorable phrase often used in public awareness campaigns.
To refer to someone who has been arrested or convicted for DUI.
Literally 'a person with a prior DUI conviction'. This is a natural way to describe someone with a DUI record.
He has a DUI on his record.
Means 'a person who got caught for DUI'. It is a more casual way to refer to someone who was arrested.
To refer to a police checkpoint specifically for catching drunk drivers.
The standard term for a sobriety checkpoint or DUI checkpoint. It literally means 'alcohol inspection'.
Last night I got stopped at a DUI checkpoint.
A shorter, more general term for a police checkpoint. It can refer to any type of checkpoint, but in context it often implies a DUI checkpoint.
The acronym 'DUI' is not commonly used in Japanese. Use 飲酒運転 or the specific legal terms instead. Using 'DUI' may cause confusion unless the listener is familiar with English legal terms.
Under Japanese law, 酒気帯び運転 (driving with alcohol in breath) is a lesser charge based on BAC, while 酒酔い運転 (drunken driving) is based on visible intoxication. Both are serious offenses, but 酒酔い運転 carries harsher penalties.
The phrase 飲んだら乗るな (If you drink, don't drive) is widely recognized and can be used in conversation to emphasize the importance of not drinking and driving.
He got a DUI last year.
DUI is a serious crime in Japan.
I never drink and drive.
You must not drink and drive.
'If you drink, don't drive' is an important rule.
People caught for DUI get their license suspended.
この先、検問があるらしい。
I heard there's a checkpoint up ahead.