Translation guide
The English word "forfeit" can be a verb (to lose or give up something as a penalty) or a noun (the thing lost or the act of losing). In Japanese, the expression depends on whether you are giving something up voluntarily, losing it as a consequence, or referring to a penalty in games or legal contexts.
Expressing that someone must give up something because of a rule violation, failure, or as a consequence.
Passive form of 没収する (to confiscate/forfeit). Used when something is taken away by an authority or as a penalty. Common in legal, sports, and game contexts.
違反したため、パスポートが没収された。
His passport was forfeited because he violated the rules.
General verb meaning 'to lose'. Can be used for forfeiting rights, trust, or abstract things. Less formal than 没収される.
彼は不正行為で信頼を失った。
He forfeited trust due to misconduct.
Formal term meaning 'to be stripped of' a right, title, or privilege. Used in legal or official contexts.
彼は犯罪により市民権を剥奪された。
He was forfeited of his citizenship due to the crime.
Expressing that someone chooses to give up a right, claim, or item, often in a game or agreement.
Means 'to abandon' or 'to give up' a right, claim, or possession. Used in both formal and everyday contexts.
彼は相続権を放棄した。
He forfeited his inheritance rights.
Means 'to give up' in a more emotional or personal sense. Can be used when forfeiting an opportunity or goal.
彼は試合を諦めた。
He forfeited the match.
Literally 'to comply with confiscation'. Used when someone voluntarily hands over an item as a penalty.
彼は違反品の没収に応じた。
He forfeited the prohibited items.
Referring to the thing that is lost or the act of losing as a penalty in games, sports, or competitions.
Noun meaning 'confiscation' or 'forfeiture'. Used in rules of games or sports when a player loses an item or right.
反則でボールの没収になった。
The foul resulted in a forfeit of the ball.
Refers to a 'penalty game' or 'forfeit' in a playful context, like party games. Often involves doing something embarrassing.
Literally 'confiscated item'. Used for the object that is forfeited, especially in legal or formal contexts.
没収物は警察に保管されている。
The forfeited items are kept by the police.
When a team or player fails to show up or is disqualified, resulting in an automatic loss.
Noun meaning 'loss by default' or 'walkover'. Used in sports when a team doesn't show up or is disqualified.
相手チームが来なかったので、不戦敗になった。
The opposing team didn't show up, so it was a forfeit.
English often uses 'forfeit' as a transitive verb (e.g., 'He forfeited the game'). Japanese usually expresses this with a noun + verb structure (e.g., 没収になる, 放棄する) or passive forms. Using a single verb equivalent can sound unnatural.
没収 (confiscation/forfeiture) implies an authority taking something away as a penalty. 放棄 (abandonment/waiver) implies voluntarily giving up a right or claim. Choose based on whether the action is forced or voluntary.
ルールを破ると、保証金が没収されます。
If you break the rules, you will forfeit your deposit.
選手が足りなかったので、彼らは試合を放棄しなければならなかった。
They had to forfeit the game because they didn't have enough players.
負けたら罰ゲームとして歌を歌わなければならない。
If you lose, you have to sing a song as a forfeit.
Literally 'confiscated match'. Used in combat sports when a fighter is disqualified and the match is forfeited.
反則で没収試合になった。
The match was forfeited due to a foul.