Translation guide
Expresses that a rule, law, right, or principle has been broken or infringed upon. Japanese uses different verbs depending on what is violated and the context.
To say that a law, rule, or regulation has been broken.
General term for violating laws, rules, or regulations. Often used in formal contexts.
彼は交通規則に違反した。
He violated traffic regulations.
Used for violating laws or committing crimes. Often implies a more serious offense.
法律を犯すと罰せられる。
If you violate the law, you will be punished.
Common verb for breaking rules, promises, or records. Less formal than 違反する.
彼は校則を破った。
He violated the school rules.
To say that someone's rights, privacy, or personal space has been infringed upon.
Used for violation of rights, privacy, or intellectual property. Formal term.
プライバシーを侵害された。
My privacy was violated.
Similar to 侵害する but often used for more abstract violations like human rights or territory.
基本的人権を侵してはならない。
Fundamental human rights must not be violated.
To say that something sacred, holy, or deeply respected has been desecrated or violated.
Used for violating something sacred or holy; blasphemy. Strongly negative.
神聖な場所を冒涜した。
They violated a sacred place.
Literary/archaic term for defiling or violating something pure. Rare in modern speech.
聖域を穢す行為。
An act that violates the sanctuary.
To say that a contract, agreement, or treaty has been breached.
Also used for contracts and agreements. Neutral and formal.
契約に違反した場合、損害賠償を請求される。
If the contract is violated, you will be sued for damages.
Means to break or nullify a contract. Focuses on the act of breaking rather than the state of being violated.
彼らは協定を一方的に破棄した。
They unilaterally violated the agreement.
違反する is the most neutral and formal for rules/laws. 犯す implies a crime or serious offense. 破る is casual and used for breaking promises, rules, or records.
English passive 'be violated' often becomes active or passive depending on context. For example, 'My rights were violated' is 権利を侵害された (passive), but 'He violated the law' is 法律に違反した (active). Avoid direct passive translations unless the agent is unknown or unimportant.