Translation guide
An embargo is a government order restricting trade with another country. In Japanese, the most common term is 禁輸 (kin'yu), but depending on context, other words like 経済制裁 (keizai seisai) or 貿易禁止 (bōeki kinshi) may be used. This guide covers how to express the concept naturally.
To refer to a government ban on trade with a specific country or in specific goods.
The standard term for an embargo, often used in news and formal contexts. Can be combined with the target country or goods.
政府はその国に対する禁輸措置を発表した。
The government announced an embargo against that country.
原油の禁輸が経済に大きな影響を与えた。
The oil embargo had a major impact on the economy.
Literally 'trade prohibition', this phrase is more descriptive and can be used in general discussions.
その国との貿易禁止が続いている。
The trade embargo with that country continues.
Economic sanctions, which often include embargoes. This term is broader and very common in news.
国際社会はその国に経済制裁を科した。
The international community imposed economic sanctions on that country.
The loanword from English. Used occasionally in news headlines or business contexts, but 禁輸 is more common.
エンバーゴが解除された。
The embargo was lifted.
Specifically referring to a ban on weapons trade.
The standard term for an arms embargo.
国連はその国に武器禁輸を課した。
The UN imposed an arms embargo on that country.
Verbs commonly used with embargo.
課す (kasu) means 'to impose', and 解除する (kaijo suru) means 'to lift'.
政府は新たな禁輸を課すことを検討している。
The government is considering imposing a new embargo.
禁輸が解除された後、貿易が再開された。
After the embargo was lifted, trade resumed.
A ban on publishing information until a specified time.
Refers to the lifting of a news embargo, i.e., the time when information can be published. The concept of a news embargo itself is often expressed as 報道解禁日時 (time of release).
この情報は報道解禁日時まで公開できません。
This information cannot be released until the embargo date.
A more general term for lifting an information embargo, used in business and media.
新製品の情報解禁は来週の月曜日です。
The embargo on the new product information lifts next Monday.
禁輸 (kin'yu) specifically means an embargo on trade. 経済制裁 (keizai seisai) is broader and includes financial sanctions, asset freezes, etc. In many contexts, 経済制裁 is used even when an embargo is the main measure.
経済制裁の一環として禁輸が行われた。
An embargo was implemented as part of the economic sanctions.
While エンバーゴ is understood, it sounds like a direct loanword and is less natural than 禁輸 in most contexts. Use 禁輸 for formal or news settings.