Translation guide
The English word 'exempt' means to be free from an obligation, duty, rule, or requirement that others are subject to. In Japanese, this concept is expressed through various verbs, adjectives, and set phrases depending on whether you are talking about being exempt from taxes, duties, rules, or responsibilities. The most common and versatile expression is 免除される (menjo sareru), which is the passive form of 'to exempt.'
Expressing that someone or something is not required to follow a rule, pay a fee, or fulfill an obligation.
He was exempted from taxes.
This class is not required, so it is possible to be exempted.
A verb meaning 'to escape' or 'to be spared from' something undesirable, such as a duty, punishment, or disaster. It implies avoiding something negative.
He escaped responsibility.
A noun meaning 'out of scope' or 'not applicable.' Often used in rules or systems to indicate that something is exempt because it doesn't fall under the category.
This product is exempt from consumption tax.
A formal term meaning 'exclusion from application,' used in legal or official contexts to indicate that a rule or law does not apply.
There are cases that are exempt from the application of this law.
Talking about not having to pay a particular tax or fee.
Expressing that someone is freed from a task, role, or obligation.
Used in official documents or formal announcements to state that a rule does not apply.
A formal passive phrase meaning 'to be excluded from application.' Used in legal or bureaucratic contexts.
This clause may be exempt from application.
免除 (menjo) is a general term for exemption from any obligation. 非課税 (hikazei) means 'non-taxable' and is used for items or income that are inherently not subject to tax. 免税 (menzei) means 'tax exemption' and often implies that tax was originally applicable but has been waived, such as in duty-free shopping.
English often uses 'exempt' as an adjective (e.g., 'He is exempt from the exam'). In Japanese, it is more natural to use a verb phrase like 免除される (be exempted) or a noun phrase like 対象外 (out of scope). Avoid directly translating 'exempt' as a single adjective.
Fortunately, he was exempt from punishment.
Please check the tax-exempt items.
免税店で買い物をしました。
I shopped at a duty-free store.
This item is tax-exempt.
He somehow got out of that obligation.