Translation guide
The English word "compulsion" refers to a strong, often irresistible urge to do something, or the act of forcing someone to do something. In Japanese, the translation depends heavily on whether you mean an internal psychological urge, an external force or obligation, or a legal/social requirement.
A strong inner drive to do something, often irrational or against one's will (psychological sense).
The most common word for a sudden, powerful urge or impulse. Often used in psychological contexts (e.g., 衝動買い - impulse buying).
He was seized by a compulsion to steal.
Specifically refers to an obsessive thought or compulsion in a clinical sense (OCD). More formal and psychological.
She suffers from a compulsion to wash her hands.
A common pattern to express 'a compulsion to do X'. Replace ～ with the verb stem.
I suppressed the compulsion to scream.
A grammar pattern meaning 'can't help but do', expressing a strong internal compulsion.
I couldn't help but laugh at his joke (had a compulsion to laugh).
Being forced or compelled to do something by an outside authority, rule, or circumstance.
Refers to compulsion by force, authority, or law. Often used in legal or social contexts.
He was compelled to testify.
Means 'duty' or 'obligation'. Used when the compulsion comes from moral, social, or legal responsibility.
Causative-passive form expressing 'be made to do' or 'be forced to do'. Conveys a sense of external compulsion.
I was forced to eat food I hate.
Stronger than 強制, implies coercion or extortion. Often used for illegal or unethical forcing.
A rule or law that makes something mandatory.
衝動 is a general impulse, while 強迫観念 is a clinical obsession. Use 衝動 for everyday urges and 強迫観念 for OCD-related compulsions.
Avoid directly translating 'compulsion' as a noun in all contexts. Often a verb phrase like ～せずにはいられない or ～させられる is more natural.
Voting is a civic compulsion (duty).
彼は金を払うよう強要された。
He was compelled to pay money under duress.
Attendance at the meeting was compulsory.