Translation guide
The concept of being illegal or unlawful. In Japanese, this is most commonly expressed with nouns like 違法 (ihō) or 不法 (fuhō), often used in compound terms or formal contexts.
Expressing that something is illegal or against the law
The most common and neutral term for 'illegality' or 'illegal act'. Used in legal and everyday contexts.
Often used in compounds like 不法侵入 (trespassing) or 不法滞在 (illegal stay). Slightly more formal or legalistic than 違法.
Means 'illegal' or 'unlawful', often used in political or organized crime contexts. Less common in daily speech.
Referring to the abstract quality or state of illegality
違法 (ihō) is the most general term for 'illegal'. 不法 (fuhō) often appears in set legal terms and implies a violation of law or morality. 非合法 (higōhō) is used for activities that are not legally permitted, often with a nuance of being underground or unlicensed.
違法 is often combined with other nouns to specify the type of illegality, e.g., 違法駐車 (illegal parking), 違法コピー (illegal copy). This is a productive pattern.
That act is illegal.
違法行為は罰せられます。
Illegal acts are punishable.
Illegal dumping is a crime.
非合法な手段で金を得た。
He obtained money through illegal means.
The quality or state of being illegal. Commonly used in legal discussions.
この契約の違法性が問われている。
The illegality of this contract is being questioned.
Similar to 違法性, but often used in more formal or academic contexts.
その行為の不法性は明らかだ。
The illegality of that act is clear.