Translation guide
The English word "lawful" refers to something that is permitted by law or in accordance with the law. In Japanese, the most common equivalent is 合法的 (ごうほうてき), but other expressions like 合法 (ごうほう) or 適法 (てきほう) are used depending on context and formality. This guide helps learners choose the right term for different situations.
Describing actions, activities, or things that are allowed under the law.
The most common and versatile adjective meaning 'lawful' or 'legal'. Used in everyday conversation and writing.
それは合法的な行為です。
That is a lawful act.
合法的にビジネスを行う。
Conduct business lawfully.
A noun meaning 'legality' or 'lawfulness'. Often used in compounds or formal contexts.
その薬は合法です。
That drug is legal.
A formal term meaning 'lawful' or 'legal', often used in legal documents or official contexts.
適法な手続きを踏む。
Follow lawful procedures.
Emphasizing that something conforms to legal requirements.
Literally 'following the law'. A clear and natural way to express lawfulness in many contexts.
法律に従った方法で解決する。
Resolve it in a lawful manner.
Means 'in conformity with the law'. Slightly more formal.
法にかなった行為。
A lawful act.
Describing something that is technically legal but may be seen as wrong.
Means 'exploiting a legal loophole'. Used when something is lawful but ethically questionable.
それは法の抜け穴を突いた合法的な脱税だ。
That's lawful tax evasion exploiting a loophole.
合法的 (ごうほうてき) is an adjective and the most common word for 'lawful'. 合法 (ごうほう) is a noun often used in compounds like 合法化 (legalization). 適法 (てきほう) is a formal term used in legal contexts.
While 'lawful' and 'legal' are often interchangeable in English, in Japanese 合法的 covers both. However, for 'legal' as in 'legal profession', use 法律の (ほうりつの) or 法曹 (ほうそう).
これは合法的ですか？
Is this lawful?
彼らは合法的な措置を取った。
They took lawful action.