Translation guide
Describes a place, situation, or behavior that lacks law, order, or rules. Japanese expressions range from formal legal terms to vivid descriptions of chaos.
Describing a place or situation where laws are not enforced or do not exist.
The most direct and common translation for 'lawless'. Can be used as a noun or na-adjective.
That area is a lawless zone.
Literally 'lawless state', emphasizing the condition of lawlessness.
The country fell into a state of lawlessness.
Means 'disorder' or 'chaos', often implying lawlessness. More formal.
In a lawless society, people cannot live in peace.
Describing actions or people that ignore rules or act wildly.
Adjectival form of 無法, used to describe lawless acts or people.
Everyone was baffled by his lawless behavior.
Idiomatic phrase meaning 'out of control' or 'unmanageable', often used for unruly children or situations.
Means 'unrestrained' or 'wild', implying a lack of rules. Less common.
Used in legal or formal contexts to describe actions taken without regard for the law.
Means 'illegal' or 'unlawful', often used in legal contexts. Closer to 'illegal' than 'lawless' but can overlap.
Strict penalties were established for lawless acts.
Means 'illegal' or 'unlawful', emphasizing something outside the law. Often used for organizations or activities.
The literal translation '法律がない' (there is no law) is not natural for describing a lawless situation. Use 無法 or 無法状態 instead.
That kid is completely lawless.
野放図な開発が自然を破壊した。
Lawless development destroyed nature.
They profited through lawless means.