Translation guide
The act of entering or residing in a country without legal permission. In Japanese, this is typically expressed with set phrases rather than a single word. The most common term is 不法入国 (illegal entry), but other expressions cover illegal stay, smuggling, and related concepts.
Describing the act of crossing a border without authorization.
The standard term for illegal entry. Often used in news and legal contexts.
The number of illegal immigrants is increasing.
Implies sneaking in secretly, often by boat or hidden in vehicles. More dramatic than 不法入国.
They entered the country illegally by boat.
Describing remaining in a country after legal permission has expired.
Referring to a person who has entered or is staying illegally.
Standard term for an illegal entrant. Neutral in tone.
Illegal immigrants are deported.
Standard term for an illegal overstayer.
The illegal overstayer turned himself in.
Person who entered secretly. Often used in news about smuggling.
The stowaway was hiding in a container.
Describing the organized movement of people across borders illegally.
不法入国 is the general, legal term for illegal entry. 密入国 emphasizes secrecy and is often used for dramatic cases like stowing away on ships. In formal writing, 不法入国 is preferred.
Illegal entry is a violation of the law.
There is no end to those attempting to sneak into the country.
The English phrase 'illegal immigration' does not have a single direct equivalent in Japanese. Instead, use specific terms like 不法入国 (illegal entry) or 不法滞在 (illegal stay) depending on the context. Using 不法移民 (ふほういみん) is possible but less common and may sound like a direct translation.
She overstayed her visa and became an illegal immigrant.
Distinguishes between overstay and illegal entry.
You must not overstay your visa.
Human trafficking, which may involve illegal immigration but focuses on exploitation.
Human trafficking is a serious crime.