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).
彼は盗みたいという衝動に駆られた。
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.
彼女は手を洗わずにはいられない強迫観念に苦しんでいる。
She suffers from a compulsion to wash her hands.
A common pattern to express 'a compulsion to do X'. Replace ～ with the verb stem.
叫びたい衝動を抑えた。
I suppressed the compulsion to scream.
A grammar pattern meaning 'can't help but do', expressing a strong internal compulsion.
彼の冗談に笑わずにはいられなかった。
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.
彼は証言を強制された。
He was compelled to testify.
Means 'duty' or 'obligation'. Used when the compulsion comes from moral, social, or legal responsibility.
投票は国民の義務だ。
Voting is a civic compulsion (duty).
Causative-passive form expressing 'be made to do' or 'be forced to do'. Conveys a sense of external compulsion.
嫌いな食べ物を食べさせられた。
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.
As above, but specifically for legal duties. Often used in compounds like 義務教育 (compulsory education).
日本では9年間の義務教育がある。
In Japan, there is nine years of compulsory education.
Adjectival form of 強制, meaning 'compulsory' or '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.
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.