Translation guide
Amnesty refers to an official pardon for a group of people, often for political offenses. In Japanese, the most common term is 恩赦 (おんしゃ), but it is a formal, legal word. In everyday contexts, the concept is often expressed descriptively.
To refer to an official act of pardoning a group, typically for political crimes or offenses against the state.
The standard legal term for amnesty or general pardon. Used in formal and official contexts.
The government granted amnesty to political prisoners.
A specific type of amnesty that completely extinguishes the crime and its effects. More absolute than 恩赦, but less commonly used in general contexts.
A general amnesty was carried out to commemorate the king's enthronement.
A special pardon for an individual, not a group. Technically different from amnesty, but sometimes translated as such in specific contexts.
He was released by a special pardon.
To describe a limited-time offer of immunity from prosecution, often for turning in illegal items or confessing.
To express the idea of letting go of past wrongs in a non-legal, often personal or organizational context.
There is no direct casual equivalent. Instead, use phrases meaning 'to overlook' or 'to forgive'. 不問に付す is formal; 許す is general.
We decided to grant amnesty for past mistakes.
The company announced an amnesty for everyone involved in the matter.
Idiomatic phrase meaning 'to overlook' or 'to let it slide'. Suitable for informal amnesty-like situations.
Do not use 恩赦 for personal forgiveness between individuals. It is strictly a legal/political term. Use 許す (ゆるす) or 大目に見る (おおめにみる) instead.
恩赦 is the general term for amnesty/pardon. 大赦 is a blanket amnesty for a category of crimes. 特赦 is an individual pardon. In most contexts, 恩赦 is sufficient.
The president declared an amnesty for all political prisoners.
There is a tax amnesty until the end of the month.
Uses 免除 (exemption) rather than 恩赦, which is more natural for tax contexts.
An amnesty period for fines was established.
I'll grant you amnesty just this once.