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.
憲法の改正には国民投票が必要だ。
A constitutional amendment requires a national referendum.
それは憲法の権利です。
That is a constitutional right.
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.
彼は体質的に太りやすい。
He has a constitutional tendency to gain weight.
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).
Means 'constitutionally' or 'under the constitution'. Often used in formal or legal contexts.
その法律は憲法上問題がある。
That law is constitutionally problematic.
Means 'constitutional' in the sense of being in accordance with the constitution. Often used in legal rulings.
最高裁はその法律を合憲と判断した。
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).
日本は立憲君主制の国です。
Japan is a constitutional monarchy.
Means 'innate' or 'constitutional' in the sense of something one is born with.
それは生まれつきの性質だ。
That is a constitutional trait.