Translation guide
The legally authorized killing of someone as punishment for a crime. In Japanese, this is most commonly expressed with 死刑 (shikei), but the specific phrasing depends on context—whether referring to the sentence, the system, or the act of execution.
Referring to capital punishment in general, as a legal institution or the sentence itself.
The standard term for the death penalty. Can refer to the sentence, the system, or the punishment in abstract.
We will discuss the pros and cons of the death penalty system.
He was sentenced to death.
Literally 'extreme punishment,' a more formal or literary term for the death penalty. Often used in serious discussions or news.
To sentence someone to the ultimate punishment.
A historical or legal term for a capital crime or the death penalty itself. Less common in modern everyday speech.
In the Edo period, many crimes were punishable by death.
Referring to the actual event of executing a condemned person.
The standard term for 'execution' in the context of capital punishment. Used in news and official contexts.
The execution was carried out behind closed doors.
A broader term for execution, not limited to legal capital punishment. Can sound more dramatic or historical.
A common colloquial way to say 'to be executed' or 'to receive the death penalty.'
That murderer will probably get the death penalty.
Referring to specific means of carrying out capital punishment.
Hanging, the primary method of execution in modern Japan.
In Japan, execution is carried out by hanging.
Electric chair, used in some countries but not in Japan. Mentioned in discussions of foreign systems.
Lethal injection, not used in Japan but sometimes discussed.
There are calls for the introduction of lethal injection.
死刑 (shikei) specifically refers to the legal death penalty, while 処刑 (shokei) is a broader term for execution that can include extrajudicial killings or historical punishments. Use 死刑 for modern legal contexts.
The death-row inmate was executed.
The phrase 'capital punishment' is not directly translated as 資本の罰 (shihon no batsu) or similar. Always use 死刑 or context-appropriate terms.
The prisoner's execution will take place tomorrow.
アメリカの一部の州では電気椅子による死刑が行われる。
In some U.S. states, execution is carried out by electric chair.