Translation guide
The English word "inmate" refers to a person confined in a prison, jail, or similar institution. In Japanese, the most common and neutral term is 受刑者 (jukeisha) for a convicted prisoner, but other terms exist depending on context, formality, and the type of facility.
Referring to a person serving a sentence after conviction.
The standard, neutral term for a convicted prisoner. Used in legal and general contexts.
That prison has about 500 inmates.
A somewhat older or more literary term for prisoner. Can sound harsh or dramatic. Still used in news and historical contexts.
The inmates were let out into the exercise yard.
Specifically refers to a person serving a sentence. More formal and legalistic.
Support for inmates' reintegration into society is important.
Referring to someone in a detention facility awaiting trial or held temporarily.
A general term for a person confined in a facility, including detention centers. Neutral and bureaucratic.
Among the inmates in the detention center are those awaiting trial.
Specifically a person detained but not yet convicted. Legal term.
A person under detention, often short-term. Can be used for police custody.
Referring to a person confined in a psychiatric facility or other non-prison institution.
Literally 'hospitalized patient'. The standard term for a person staying in any hospital, including psychiatric. Avoids the stigma of 'inmate'.
The inmates of the mental hospital are receiving appropriate treatment.
A general term for a person confined in any institution, including mental hospitals or welfare facilities. Can sound impersonal.
In English, 'inmate' can refer to residents of nursing homes or other institutions, but in Japanese, terms like 囚人 or 受刑者 are strictly for prisoners. Use 入所者 (にゅうしょしゃ) for nursing homes or 入院患者 for hospitals.
受刑者 is the modern, neutral term used in official contexts. 囚人 is older and can carry a negative, sensational connotation, similar to 'convict' in English. Use 受刑者 unless you want a dramatic or historical tone.
未決囚は推定無罪の原則が適用される。
Inmates awaiting trial are subject to the principle of presumed innocence.
The inmates at the police station were moved to another room.
施設の収容者の人権が問題になった。
The rights of the inmates of the institution became an issue.