Translation guide
In Japanese, the concept of 'drunk driving' is expressed through specific legal and colloquial terms. The most common and legally precise term is 飲酒運転, while 酒気帯び運転 refers to driving under the influence with a lower blood alcohol level. Colloquially, 飲酒運転 is widely used. There are also related terms for drunk drivers and the act of driving drunk.
To refer to the act of driving while intoxicated by alcohol, in a general or legal context.
The standard and most common term for drunk driving. It is used in legal contexts, news reports, and everyday conversation. Literally 'drinking-alcohol driving'.
Drunk driving is prohibited by law.
He was arrested for drunk driving.
A legal term specifically referring to driving with alcohol in one's breath or system, but below the threshold for 'drunk driving' (飲酒運転). It is a lesser offense but still illegal. Often used in traffic violation contexts.
My license was suspended for driving under the influence (with alcohol detected).
A legal term for driving while heavily intoxicated, often used in contrast to 酒気帯び運転. It implies a higher level of impairment.
Drunk driving (heavy intoxication) is severely punished.
To refer to a person who drives drunk.
Literally 'drunk driving person'. This is the standard term for a drunk driver.
Drunk drivers are severely punished.
Refers to a driver who is heavily intoxicated, legally defined as 'drunk driving' as opposed to mere 'driving under the influence'. Used in legal and news contexts.
To express the action of driving while drunk.
In Japanese, there is no direct equivalent to the English phrase 'drink-driving' as a single word. Use 飲酒運転 for the concept. Avoid literal translations like 飲み物運転 (のみものうんてん), which is nonsensical.
飲酒運転 (いんしゅうんてん) is the general term for drunk driving and is used when the driver is clearly intoxicated. 酒気帯び運転 (しゅきおびうんてん) is a legal term for driving with alcohol in the breath but not necessarily visibly drunk. Both are illegal in Japan, but 酒気帯び運転 carries a lesser penalty.
Drunk driving is a serious crime.
He lost his license due to drunk driving.
A heavily intoxicated driver caused an accident.
Drinking and driving is dangerous.