Translation guide
The English verb "impose" covers several distinct meanings: forcing rules or burdens, taking advantage of someone's hospitality, and asserting authority. Japanese uses different words and structures for each.
To officially require something, such as a law, tax, fine, or restriction.
impose a tax · impose a fine · impose restrictions · impose one's will
The most direct equivalent for imposing taxes, fines, duties, or penalties. Often used in official contexts.
政府は新しい税を課した。
The government imposed a new tax.
裁判所は彼に罰金を課した。
The court imposed a fine on him.
Similar to 課す, but more specifically used for penalties, punishments, or sentences. Often interchangeable with 課す in legal contexts.
彼は懲役刑を科された。
He was sentenced to imprisonment.
Means to force something onto someone, often with a negative connotation of being unfair or unwanted. Used for rules, opinions, or work.
上司は私に無理な仕事を押し付けた。
My boss imposed unreasonable work on me.
To compel or force someone to do something. Stronger and more literary than 押し付ける.
彼は私に苦難を強いられた。
He imposed hardships on me.
To cause inconvenience by expecting too much from someone's generosity, often by staying too long or asking for favors.
I hope I'm not imposing. · Sorry to impose. · impose on someone's hospitality
Literally 'to cause trouble/annoyance'. The most natural way to express the idea of imposing on someone in social situations.
長居して迷惑をかけてすみません。
Sorry for imposing by staying so long.
いつも迷惑をかけて申し訳ありません。
I'm sorry for always imposing on you.
A polite phrase meaning to accept someone's kind offer, often used when you are 'imposing' by taking them up on their hospitality. It softens the imposition.
お言葉に甘えて、もう一杯いただきます。
If you insist (I'll impose and have another drink).
To make someone accept your authority, presence, or ideas, often in a domineering way.
impose one's authority · impose one's beliefs · impose oneself on others
Again, 'to force onto'. Works for imposing opinions, beliefs, or one's presence.
自分の意見を他人に押し付けてはいけない。
Don't impose your opinions on others.
To have one's own way; to insist on one's own opinion. Implies imposing one's will.
To compel or force someone to do something. Stronger and more formal, often used for illegal coercion.
彼は私に契約を強要した。
He imposed the contract on me (forced me to sign).
When apologizing for imposing on someone's hospitality, do not directly translate 'impose' as 課す or 科す. These are for official penalties. Use 迷惑をかける or お言葉に甘える instead.
お邪魔してすみません。
Sorry for imposing (lit. sorry for disturbing you).
Both mean 'to impose' and are read かす. 課す is broader (taxes, duties, tasks), while 科す is mainly for legal penalties. In modern usage, 課す is more common and often replaces 科す.
罰金を課す / 罰金を科す
Both mean 'impose a fine', but 課す is more common.
政府は新しい税を課した。
The government imposed a new tax.
あなたの信念を私に押し付けないで。
Don't impose your beliefs on me.
An adjective meaning 'impudent' or 'shameless'. Used to describe someone who imposes too much. Not a direct translation of the verb, but useful for the concept.
そんなにお願いするのは図々しいですよ。
It's imposing to ask for so much.
彼はいつも我を通そうとする。
He always tries to impose his will.