Translation guide
To take strong action to stop or reduce something, especially illegal or undesirable behavior. In Japanese, this is expressed through verbs and set phrases that convey strict enforcement, suppression, or a clampdown.
To describe official, often public, actions to suppress illegal activities or rule-breaking.
Literally 'strengthen control/regulation'. A common, neutral way to say authorities are cracking down on something.
The police are cracking down on illegal parking.
'To strictly regulate/crack down on'. Emphasizes severity. Often used in news reports.
The government plans to crack down on tax evasion.
'To suppress/oppress'. Implies a heavy-handed crackdown, often by authorities on dissent or political activity. Can carry a negative connotation.
The regime is cracking down on the opposition.
Literally 'tighten the screws'. Metaphorical expression for increasing pressure or control, often used in economic or regulatory contexts.
The Financial Services Agency is cracking down on fraudulent transactions.
When a person or group takes strict measures to stop certain actions within their domain.
A flexible pattern meaning 'to make ~ stricter'. Replace 〜 with the rule or area being tightened.
The company cracked down on expense rules.
'To deal strictly with ~'. Emphasizes taking action against specific violations.
A single verb meaning 'to control/regulate/crack down on'. Can be used without an intensifier, but often paired with adverbs like 厳しく.
To emphasize a swift and forceful crackdown, often as a campaign.
取り締まり (torishimari) is a neutral term for regulation and control, often used for law enforcement. 弾圧 (dan'atsu) implies oppression and is used for political or human rights contexts. Avoid 弾圧 when simply talking about enforcing rules.
Traffic law enforcement is strict.
Suppression of speech is unacceptable.
There is no direct Japanese verb that matches 'crack down on' in all contexts. Using 割る (waru, 'to crack') or 下る (kudaru, 'down') would be nonsensical. Always use the phrases provided.
The school announced it would crack down on bullying.
The teacher is cracking down on cheating.
'Eradication campaign'. Implies a thorough, often public, effort to wipe out something undesirable.
The city started a crackdown on illegal advertisements.