Translation guide
The English word 'dispensation' has several distinct meanings. This guide covers the most common uses for learners: an exemption from a rule, the act of distributing something, and a system of order or governance. It also notes less common religious and technical senses.
To express that someone is officially allowed not to follow a rule, law, or requirement.
General term for exemption from an obligation, duty, or rule. Commonly used in legal, academic, and everyday contexts.
彼は授業料の免除を受けた。
He received a dispensation from tuition fees.
Special exemption or dispensation, often used in formal or legal contexts. Implies a specific, granted exception.
この規則に対する特免は認められない。
No dispensation from this rule will be granted.
Special case or exception. Often used when a dispensation is made as an exceptional measure.
今回は特例として認めます。
We will allow it as a dispensation this time.
Verb phrase meaning 'to exempt from ~'. Use with the thing being exempted.
会社は彼の残業を免除した。
The company gave him a dispensation from overtime.
To describe the process of distributing something, such as goods, money, or services.
Distribution, allotment. Used for dividing and giving out resources, profits, etc.
食料の分配が公平に行われた。
The dispensation of food was carried out fairly.
Distribution, especially of printed materials, goods, or supplies to a group.
Charitable giving, dispensation of alms. Formal and somewhat literary.
教会は貧しい人々への施与を行っている。
The church carries out the dispensation of charity to the poor.
To refer to a prevailing system, regime, or order, especially in political or historical contexts.
System, regime, order. Commonly used for political or social systems.
新しい政治体制が始まった。
A new political dispensation began.
Order, system. Emphasizes the orderly arrangement of society or nature.
Governance, rule. Focuses on the act of governing or the governing system.
To refer to a period of religious history or a divine ordering of affairs, especially in Christian theology.
Loanword from English, used in theological contexts to mean a dispensation (period of God's plan).
ディスペンセーション主義は聖書の解釈の一つだ。
Dispensationalism is one interpretation of the Bible.
God's dispensation or divine economy. A theological term for God's plan of salvation.
神の経綸は人間の理解を超えている。
God's dispensation is beyond human understanding.
In everyday conversation, instead of using formal words like 免除, you can often express the idea of being allowed not to do something with phrases like ～しなくてもいい or ～は免除される. Reserve 免除 and 特免 for official or written contexts.
分配 (bunpai) is used for dividing and distributing things like profits, work, or resources among a group. 配布 (haifu) is more about handing out physical items like flyers, goods, or supplies to individuals. Use 分配 for abstract or divisible things, and 配布 for tangible items given out.
I helped with the dispensation of pamphlets.
To maintain the social dispensation.
The dispensation of that era was strict.