Translation guide
The legal concept of being found not guilty or cleared of charges. This guide covers how to express acquittal in Japanese legal and everyday contexts.
To refer to a formal not-guilty verdict or legal exoneration.
The standard legal term for 'not guilty' or 'innocence'. Used in court verdicts and legal documents.
The court handed down a verdict of not guilty for the defendant.
He pleaded not guilty.
Specifically refers to a 'not guilty verdict' or 'acquittal judgment'.
A not-guilty verdict was handed down.
A somewhat literary or dramatic term meaning 'acquitted and released'. Often used in news or historical contexts.
He was acquitted and released.
To express that someone has been cleared of wrongdoing or suspicion, not necessarily in a formal legal setting.
Literally 'suspicion clears up'. A common way to say someone was cleared of suspicion.
He was cleared of suspicion.
Means 'innocence is proven'. Emphasizes the proof of innocence.
Refers to a false charge or wrongful conviction. Often used in the context of being exonerated after a miscarriage of justice.
To discuss the idea of acquittal in general, such as in academic or philosophical contexts.
The English word 'acquittal' does not have a single direct equivalent in Japanese. Use 無罪 for legal contexts and 容疑が晴れる for general clearing of suspicion. Do not try to translate 'acquittal' as a standalone noun in casual conversation.
無罪 is a formal legal term meaning 'not guilty' or 'innocence'. 容疑が晴れる is a more everyday expression meaning 'to be cleared of suspicion'. Use 無罪 when referring to court verdicts; use 容疑が晴れる when talking about someone being cleared in a non-legal context.
His innocence was proven.
彼は冤罪で長年苦しんだ。
He suffered for years from a false accusation.
Can be used in historical or dramatic discussions of acquittal.
We discussed the historical significance of acquittal and release.