Translation guide
The English word "damages" refers specifically to money claimed or awarded as compensation for loss or injury in a legal context. This guide helps learners express this concept naturally in Japanese, covering legal terms, common phrases, and practical usage.
To refer to money claimed or awarded by a court as compensation for harm, loss, or injury.
To express the action of seeking or demanding compensation.
The standard phrase for 'to claim damages'. Used in legal and formal contexts.
会社は元従業員に損害賠償を請求した。
The company claimed damages from the former employee.
To refer to damages awarded to punish the defendant, beyond simple compensation.
The direct translation of 'punitive damages'. Used in legal discussions, though such damages are not common in Japan.
アメリカでは懲罰的損害賠償が認められることがある。
In the U.S., punitive damages are sometimes awarded.
The English word 'damage' (uncountable, meaning harm or injury) is usually translated as 損害 (そんがい). 'Damages' (plural, legal compensation) is 損害賠償 or 賠償金. Using 損害 alone for 'damages' can be ambiguous.
台風で大きな損害が出た。
The typhoon caused great damage.
彼は損害賠償として100万円を受け取った。
He received 1 million yen in damages.
In casual contexts, Japanese speakers might simply use お金 (おかね, money) or 補償 (ほしょう, compensation) instead of the formal legal terms. However, in legal or official settings, stick to 損害賠償.
The standard legal term for 'damages' or 'compensation for damages'. Used in formal and legal contexts.
彼は損害賠償を請求した。
He claimed damages.
裁判所は損害賠償の支払いを命じた。
The court ordered the payment of damages.
Refers specifically to the monetary amount paid as compensation. Often used in news or formal settings.
被害者は賠償金を受け取った。
The victim received damages.
A more explicit term combining 'damages' and 'money'. Used in legal documents.
損害賠償金の額はまだ決まっていない。
The amount of damages has not been decided yet.
Specifically 'solatium' or 'consolation money' for emotional distress, often in personal injury cases. Not for property damage.
彼女は慰謝料を求めて訴訟を起こした。
She filed a lawsuit seeking damages for emotional distress.
A slightly less formal way to say 'seek compensation'. Can be used in general contexts.
被害者家族は賠償を求めている。
The victim's family is seeking damages.
事故の補償はどうなった？
What happened with the compensation for the accident?
事故の補償はどうなった？
What happened with the compensation for the accident?