Translation guide
Bribery refers to the act of giving or receiving something of value to influence someone's actions, often illegally or unethically. In Japanese, the concept is expressed through specific nouns and verbs, with distinctions between the act, the bribe itself, and the people involved.
Referring to the general act of giving or taking bribes, often in legal or formal contexts.
The act of giving a bribe. Often used in legal contexts. Pairs with 収賄 (receiving a bribe).
彼は贈賄の罪で起訴された。
He was indicted on charges of bribery.
The act of receiving a bribe. Often used in legal contexts. Pairs with 贈賄.
収賄容疑で逮捕された。
He was arrested on suspicion of accepting bribes.
General term for bribery or a bribe. Can refer to the act or the thing given. Common in news and everyday speech.
賄賂が横行している。
Bribery is rampant.
Literally 'under the sleeve', a colloquial and somewhat dated term for a bribe or under-the-table payment.
袖の下を使う。
To use bribery.
Referring to the money, gift, or favor given as a bribe.
The most common word for a bribe. Can be used for both the act and the object.
彼は賄賂を受け取った。
He took a bribe.
Loanword from English 'rebate', often used for kickbacks or secret commissions in business contexts.
Slush fund or under-the-table money, often used for bribes or illicit payments.
The action of giving a bribe to influence someone.
Standard phrase meaning 'to give a bribe'. Literally 'to send a bribe'.
役人に賄賂を贈った。
He bribed a government official.
Colloquial phrase meaning 'to use bribery'. Literally 'to use the under-sleeve'.
袖の下を使って許可を得た。
He got the permit by bribery.
To buy off or bribe someone, often implying corruption or buying influence.
彼は証人を買収しようとした。
He tried to bribe the witness.
The action of receiving a bribe.
Standard phrase meaning 'to accept a bribe'.
彼は賄賂を受け取ったことを認めた。
He admitted to taking a bribe.
Formal verb for accepting a bribe, often used in legal contexts.
収賄した疑いで捜査されている。
He is under investigation for accepting bribes.
贈賄 (ぞうわい) is giving a bribe, while 収賄 (しゅうわい) is receiving a bribe. They are often used together in legal contexts, e.g., 贈収賄事件 (bribery scandal).
贈収賄事件で政治家が逮捕された。
A politician was arrested in a bribery scandal.
There is no single Japanese verb that directly translates 'to bribe'. Use phrases like 賄賂を贈る or 買収する instead. Simply saying ブライブする is not natural.
リベートを要求する。
To demand a kickback.
裏金が発覚した。
The slush fund was uncovered.