Translation guide
A legal concept where ownership of property is gained by taking possession of it, especially when it has no prior owner.
The legal principle of gaining ownership of something that has no owner by occupying or taking possession of it.
Standard legal term directly translating to 'acquisition by prior occupation'. Used in civil law contexts.
In everyday contexts, the act of picking up or claiming something that appears to have no owner.
The English term 'acquisition by occupancy' is a specialized legal concept. In Japanese, it is almost exclusively used in legal or academic contexts. There is no single everyday equivalent; instead, you would describe the situation or use the legal terms above.
先占 (occupancy) applies to things that have never had an owner (e.g., wild animals, abandoned property). 拾得 (finding) applies to lost items that had a previous owner. In casual English, 'acquisition by occupancy' might be confused with finding, but in Japanese law they are distinct.
Acquisition by occupancy of ownerless property is recognized under the Civil Code.
Literally 'occupation of ownerless thing'. A concise legal term often used in property law discussions.
If the requirements for occupation of ownerless property are met, ownership can be acquired.
Shortened form of 'acquisition by prior occupation'. Common in legal texts.
Acquisition by occupancy is a form of original acquisition.
If you find a lost item, acquisition by finding may be recognized in some cases.
In casual conversation, you can explain the concept by saying 'I'm taking it because no one is using it.' This avoids technical legal terms.
This is not a legal term and may not reflect actual property law. Use only in informal explanations.
This bicycle had been abandoned for a long time, so I thought no one was using it and took it.
Catching a wild rabbit is occupancy; picking up a lost wallet is finding.