Translation guide
A bribery scandal is a public controversy involving the giving or receiving of bribes, often by politicians, officials, or corporations. In Japanese, this is typically expressed with compound nouns combining words for bribery and scandal or incident.
To refer to a scandal involving bribery in general, such as a political or corporate corruption case.
The most common and neutral term for a bribery scandal or case. Literally 'bribery incident', it covers both giving and receiving bribes.
その政治家は贈収賄事件で逮捕された。
The politician was arrested in a bribery scandal.
To refer to a large-scale, often named, political bribery scandal that becomes a major news story.
事件 (jiken) means 'incident' or 'case' and is the standard legal/news term. スキャンダル (sukyandaru) is a loanword for 'scandal' and sounds more sensational or media-driven. For formal contexts, use 事件.
The direct translation '賄賂スキャンダル' (wairo sukyandaru) is understandable but not idiomatic. Use the compound nouns above.
A bribery scandal involving a major corporation came to light.
A broader term for a corruption scandal, which often implies bribery. Used for public officials.
汚職事件の捜査が進んでいる。
The investigation into the corruption scandal is progressing.
Specifically a bribe-receiving scandal. Used when the focus is on the recipient of the bribe.
収賄事件で元市長が起訴された。
The former mayor was indicted in a bribery scandal.
Specifically a bribe-giving scandal. Less common than 収賄事件.
贈賄事件の容疑者が海外に逃亡した。
The suspect in the bribery scandal fled overseas.
A term for a large-scale political corruption or bribery scandal, often involving high-ranking officials. Carries a sense of a dark, complex affair.
疑獄事件で内閣が総辞職した。
The cabinet resigned en masse over the bribery scandal.
A direct loanword combination meaning 'corruption scandal'. Often used in media.
汚職スキャンダルが政権を揺るがしている。
The corruption scandal is shaking the administration.