Translation guide
The English word "interrogation" typically refers to formal questioning, often by authorities. In Japanese, the most natural equivalent depends on context: police questioning, courtroom cross-examination, or informal grilling. This guide covers common expressions from formal legal terms to casual usage.
Formal questioning by police, detectives, or authorities, often of a suspect or witness.
The standard term for police interrogation or questioning of a suspect. Used in legal and news contexts.
The suspect is undergoing police interrogation.
Formal questioning, often in a legal or official setting. Can imply cross-examination.
The lawyer conducted an interrogation of the witness.
Literally 'hearing the circumstances', used for voluntary questioning by police, not necessarily of a suspect.
The police questioned him as a witness.
Harsh, prolonged, or hostile questioning, not necessarily by authorities.
Questioning of a witness by the opposing side in a trial.
The legal term for cross-examination. Used specifically in courtroom contexts.
The prosecution's cross-examination began.
Persistent questioning in everyday situations, like a parent questioning a child.
The English word 'interrogation' is often translated as 尋問 (jinmon) or 取り調べ (torishirabe), but these are formal terms. Using them for casual questioning sounds unnatural. For everyday grilling, use phrases like 根掘り葉掘り聞く or 質問攻めにする.
取り調べ (torishirabe) is the standard term for police interrogation of a suspect. 尋問 (jinmon) is broader and can refer to any formal questioning, especially cross-examination in court. In legal contexts, 反対尋問 (hantai jinmon) specifically means cross-examination.
The reporters subjected the minister to a harsh interrogation.
The kids interrogated me about the new game.