Translation guide
The English word "forced" can describe actions that are done against someone's will, things that are unnatural or artificial, or situations that are imposed by circumstances. This guide covers how to express these nuances naturally in Japanese.
Expressing that someone is made to do something unwillingly, or that an action is done under duress.
The causative-passive form is the most natural way to say 'was forced to do' or 'was made to do' in Japanese. It combines the causative (make/let) and passive (be done) to express being compelled.
彼は謝罪させられた。
He was forced to apologize.
残業させられた。
I was forced to work overtime.
This pattern means 'cannot afford not to do' or 'have no choice but to do', implying a forced situation due to obligation or circumstances.
行かないわけにはいかない。
I'm forced to go (I have no choice but to go).
A noun meaning 'compulsion' or 'coercion'. Often used in compounds like 強制する (to force) or 強制的に (forcibly).
強制労働
forced labor
彼は強制的に連行された。
He was forcibly taken away.
An adverb meaning 'forcibly' or 'against one's will'. It emphasizes the lack of consent and is often used in casual or spoken contexts.
無理やり食べさせられた。
I was forced to eat it.
Describing a smile, laugh, behavior, or expression that is not genuine and feels forced.
A noun meaning 'forced smile' or 'fake smile'. It directly conveys a smile that is intentionally put on.
彼女は作り笑いを浮かべた。
She put on a forced smile.
A na-adjective meaning 'unnatural'. It can be used for forced expressions, movements, or situations.
Literally 'twitching laugh', used for a strained, forced laugh often due to nervousness or discomfort.
彼は引きつった笑いをした。
He gave a forced, strained laugh.
Describing a situation, decision, or action that is forced by external factors, leaving no choice.
A formal pattern meaning 'cannot help but do' or 'have no choice but to'. It expresses being forced by circumstances.
値上げせざるを得ない。
We are forced to raise prices.
Means 'unavoidable' or 'there is no other way'. Used for forced situations or decisions.
延期はやむを得ない。
The postponement is forced (unavoidable).
A formal verb phrase meaning 'to be forced to do' or 'to be compelled'. Often used in news or official contexts.
撤退を余儀なくされた。
They were forced to withdraw.
Describing breaking in, forcing a door open, or using physical strength to gain access.
A verb meaning 'to force open' or 'to pry open'. Commonly used for doors, windows, or locks.
泥棒は窓をこじ開けた。
The burglar forced the window open.
A verb meaning 'to force one's way into' or 'to break into'. Often used for burglaries or intrusions.
The causative form (させる) means 'make/let someone do', while the causative-passive (させられる) means 'be made to do'. For 'forced', the causative-passive is usually more accurate because it implies unwillingness. However, in some contexts, the causative with a coercive adverb like 無理やり can also express forcing.
母は私に野菜を食べさせた。
My mother made me eat vegetables. (causative, neutral)
私は母に野菜を食べさせられた。
I was forced to eat vegetables by my mother. (causative-passive, unwilling)
The literal translation '強制された笑顔' is not natural. Use 作り笑い or わざとらしい笑顔 instead.
An i-adjective meaning 'contrived' or 'unnatural'. It describes actions or attitudes that seem forced and insincere.
彼の笑顔はわざとらしかった。
His smile seemed forced.
His laugh was forced (unnatural).
The robber forced his way into the house.