Translation guide
The quality of being in accordance with the law. In Japanese, this concept is expressed through nouns, adjectives, and set phrases that emphasize legality, legitimacy, or conformity to legal standards.
Describing something as lawful, legal, or in accordance with the law in a general sense.
The most common and direct term for 'legal' or 'lawful'. Used as a noun or na-adjective. Often appears in compounds like 合法的 (legal) or 非合法 (illegal).
That act is lawful.
Resolve it through lawful means.
More formal and technical term for 'lawful' or 'legal', often used in legal contexts. Implies strict conformity to the law.
Follow lawful procedures.
A phrase meaning 'in accordance with the law' or 'lawful'. It is slightly more descriptive and can be used in both spoken and written Japanese.
A lawful act.
Means 'in compliance with the law' or 'lawful'. Often used in formal or legal documents.
A lawful judgment.
Emphasizing moral or ethical rightness under the law, not just technical legality.
Means 'just', 'legitimate', or 'rightful'. It carries a nuance of moral correctness in addition to lawfulness. Often used in phrases like 正当な理由 (justifiable reason).
Assert one's lawful rights.
Primarily means 'justice', but can imply lawfulness in a broader moral sense. Used in contexts like social justice or righteous conduct.
Referring to the abstract concept of lawfulness itself.
Describing compliance with particular legal standards or rules.
合法 (gōhō) is the general term for 'legal' and is used in everyday language. 適法 (tekihō) is more technical and formal, often appearing in legal documents or discussions about strict compliance. For most situations, 合法 is sufficient.
The English noun 'lawfulness' is often best translated as 合法性 (gōhōsei) or 適法性 (tekihōsei) when referring to the abstract quality. However, in many contexts, it is more natural to use an adjective like 合法な or a phrase like 法にかなった instead of a direct noun.
His actions were lawful/justified.
Fight for justice/lawfulness.
The lawfulness of the act is questioned.