Translation guide
The state or condition of lacking law, order, or legal control. In Japanese, this concept is expressed through nouns describing disorder, absence of rules, or illegal behavior, as well as set phrases and descriptive expressions.
Describing a situation where laws are not enforced or followed, leading to chaos.
Literally 'no law', this is the most direct and common term for lawlessness, implying a lack of rules or disregard for them.
その地域は無法状態だ。
That area is in a state of lawlessness.
Means 'disorder' or 'chaos', emphasizing the absence of order rather than specifically legal rules.
戦争の後、国は無秩序に陥った。
After the war, the country fell into lawlessness.
Refers to disorder or confusion, often used in contexts like financial irregularities or administrative chaos.
会社の経理は乱脈を極めていた。
The company's accounting was in a state of lawlessness.
Referring to acts that break the law, often in a wild or unrestrained manner.
Commonly used for delinquency or misconduct, especially by minors, but can extend to general lawless acts.
若者の非行が増えている。
Youth lawlessness is increasing.
A compound meaning 'lawless act', directly combining 無法 (lawless) and 行為 (act).
彼の無法行為はついに警察に捕まった。
His lawless acts finally got him caught by the police.
A literary term for violence, riot, or outrage, often implying lawless rampage.
Describing a systemic absence of legal authority or enforcement.
Literally 'absence of rule of law', a formal phrase used in political or legal discussions.
その国では法治の不在が深刻な問題だ。
In that country, the absence of the rule of law is a serious problem.
Means 'lawless zone' or 'no man's land', often used for areas where law enforcement is absent.
そのスラムは無法地帯と化している。
That slum has turned into a lawless zone.
無法 (muhō) specifically implies a lack of law or disregard for legal rules, often with a negative moral connotation. 無秩序 (muchitsujo) is broader, meaning disorder or chaos, and can be used in non-legal contexts like messy rooms or disorganized systems.
There is no single Japanese word that covers all nuances of 'lawlessness'. Using 無法 as a catch-all is acceptable, but in many contexts, more specific terms like 非行 (delinquency) or 無秩序 (disorder) are more natural.
酔っ払いが街で狼藉を働いた。
A drunkard committed lawless acts in the street.
Literally 'state of anarchy', referring to a situation without government control.
革命後、国は無政府状態になった。
After the revolution, the country fell into lawlessness.