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.
無主物の先占による取得は民法で認められている。
Acquisition by occupancy of ownerless property is recognized under the Civil Code.
In everyday contexts, the act of picking up or claiming something that appears to have no owner.
Refers to acquisition by finding lost property. More specific to found items, but overlaps with occupancy concept in casual use.
落とし物を拾った場合、拾得による取得が認められることがある。
If you find a lost item, acquisition by finding may be recognized in some cases.
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.
野生のウサギを捕まえた場合は先占、落とし物の財布を拾った場合は拾得です。
Catching a wild rabbit is occupancy; picking up a lost wallet is finding.
Literally 'occupation of ownerless thing'. A concise legal term often used in property law discussions.
無主物先占の要件を満たせば所有権を取得できる。
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.
先占取得は原始取得の一形態である。
Acquisition by occupancy is a form of original acquisition.
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.
この自転車、ずっと放置されてたから、誰も使ってないと思ってもらったんだ。
This bicycle had been abandoned for a long time, so I thought no one was using it and took it.