Translation guide
The legal protection that diplomats and their families receive from prosecution or lawsuits in the host country.
Referring to the principle of diplomatic immunity itself
Standard term for 'diplomatic privileges', often used interchangeably with diplomatic immunity in context.
外交特権があるため、彼は逮捕されなかった。
Because of diplomatic immunity, he was not arrested.
Literally 'diplomatic exemption', a more precise term for immunity from legal process.
外交免除は国際法で認められている。
Diplomatic immunity is recognized under international law.
Specifically 'diplomat exemption', used in legal contexts.
外交官免除の範囲は条約で定められている。
The scope of diplomatic immunity is defined by treaty.
Describing a person who has diplomatic immunity
Common way to say 'has diplomatic immunity'.
彼は外交特権を持っているので、裁判にかけられない。
He has diplomatic immunity, so he cannot be tried.
Literally 'receiving diplomatic exemption', formal.
その大使は外交免除を受けている。
The ambassador enjoys diplomatic immunity.
Claiming or using diplomatic immunity to avoid legal consequences
To claim diplomatic immunity.
容疑者は外交特権を主張して釈放された。
The suspect claimed diplomatic immunity and was released.
Idiomatic: 'to use diplomatic immunity as a shield', often with negative connotation.
彼は外交免除を盾にして罪を逃れた。
He used diplomatic immunity as a shield to escape punishment.
Giving up diplomatic immunity voluntarily
To waive diplomatic immunity.
本国が外交特権を放棄したため、裁判が行われた。
The home country waived diplomatic immunity, so the trial proceeded.
外交特権 (diplomatic privileges) is a broader term that includes immunity from jurisdiction, inviolability of premises, and tax exemptions. 外交免除 (diplomatic exemption) specifically refers to immunity from legal process. In everyday use, 外交特権 often covers the meaning of diplomatic immunity.