Translation guide
The English verb 'conspire' means to secretly plan with others to do something harmful or illegal. In Japanese, this concept is expressed through various verbs and phrases depending on the nuance—whether it's a criminal plot, a secret scheme, or a figurative 'conspiring' of circumstances.
They conspired to rob a bank.
To scheme or plot, often with a negative connotation. Can be used for conspiracies or intrigues.
He conspired to overthrow the government.
Literally 'to plot a conspiracy'. A common phrase for conspiring, especially in political or dramatic contexts.
The general conspired to stage a coup.
A formal, legal term for conspiracy or plotting. Rare in everyday speech.
The suspects are alleged to have conspired to commit murder.
To make secret plans with others, often for a surprise or scheme that may not be illegal
A neutral phrase meaning 'to secretly plan'. Suitable for non-criminal conspiracies like surprise parties.
They conspired to throw a surprise party for their boss.
To conspire or collude, often with a negative nuance of ganging up for selfish reasons.
To say that events or factors combine to produce a particular result, often negative
Literally 'things pile up'. Used to express that multiple factors or events coincide, often leading to an outcome. Natural for figurative 'conspire'.
Circumstances conspired against us, and we lost the game.
A fuller pattern: 'with X piling up, it resulted in Y'. Emphasizes the cumulative effect.
Literally 'X sides with/becomes an ally'. Used positively when things conspire in one's favor.
When saying 'events conspired', do not directly translate 'conspire' as 共謀する. Instead, use patterns like ～が重なる or ～が重なって to express the idea of multiple factors combining.
共謀する specifically means conspiring with others (joint planning), while 企てる can be done alone or with others and focuses on the act of scheming. 共謀 is the legal term for conspiracy.
To arrange or conspire beforehand, often implying a secret agreement. Used for coordinating actions secretly.
They conspired to say the same opinion, as if by prior arrangement.
They conspired to exclude me from the group.
Adverse conditions conspired to cancel the project.
Fortune conspired to help him succeed.