Translation guide
The English word 'gaol' (also spelled 'jail') refers to a place where people are held in custody, typically while awaiting trial or serving a short sentence. In Japanese, the most common equivalent is 刑務所 (けいむしょ) for prison, but there are several terms depending on the type of facility and context.
Referring to a facility where criminals are confined as punishment or while awaiting trial.
The standard term for a prison where convicted criminals serve their sentences. It is the most common and neutral word.
彼は刑務所に5年間入っていました。
He was in prison for five years.
A detention center where suspects are held before trial or while awaiting transfer. It is not for long-term imprisonment.
容疑者は拘置所に拘留されています。
The suspect is being held in a detention center.
A police jail or holding cell where people are temporarily detained, often for a few days. It is part of a police station.
彼は警察の留置所に入れられた。
He was put in a police holding cell.
An older or more literary term for prison, similar to 'gaol' in its archaic feel. It is not commonly used in modern conversation.
その小説では、主人公が監獄から脱走する。
In that novel, the protagonist escapes from prison.
Describing the state of being imprisoned or the act of sending someone to prison.
Literally 'to enter prison', meaning to be incarcerated. This is the most natural way to say someone goes to prison.
彼は詐欺で刑務所に入った。
He went to prison for fraud.
To serve a prison sentence. This is a more formal or legal term.
彼は現在、刑務所で服役中です。
He is currently serving time in prison.
To be thrown into prison; a more dramatic or literary expression.
反体制派は投獄された。
The dissidents were thrown into prison.
刑務所 is for convicted criminals serving sentences. 拘置所 is for suspects awaiting trial. 留置所 is a temporary holding facility at a police station. Using the wrong term can cause confusion.
The English word 'gaol' is an archaic spelling of 'jail'. In Japanese, there is no direct equivalent with the same archaic nuance. Use 刑務所 for modern contexts. The word 監獄 exists but is literary and rarely used in everyday speech.