Translation guide
The English word 'constitutional' has two main uses: relating to a constitution (law/government) and relating to a person's physical makeup. This guide focuses on the legal/political sense, which is the most common meaning for learners.
Describing something that is part of, allowed by, or related to a country's constitution.
The most direct and common translation. Used as a modifier before nouns.
Describing something inherent to a person's body or mind, often in medical or formal contexts.
Used for physical constitution, such as predisposition to illness or body type.
When referring to the physical document, use 憲法 (けんぽう) alone, not 憲法の. For example, 'the Constitution of Japan' is 日本国憲法 (にほんこくけんぽう).
A constitutional amendment requires a national referendum.
That is a constitutional right.
Means 'constitutionally' or 'under the constitution'. Often used in formal or legal contexts.
That law is constitutionally problematic.
Means 'constitutional' in the sense of being in accordance with the constitution. Often used in legal rulings.
The Supreme Court ruled the law constitutional.
Refers to constitutional government or constitutionalism. Used in terms like 立憲主義 (constitutionalism) or 立憲君主制 (constitutional monarchy).
Japan is a constitutional monarchy.
He has a constitutional tendency to gain weight.
Means 'innate' or 'constitutional' in the sense of something one is born with.
That is a constitutional trait.