Translation guide
How to express the concept of taking a matter to court or using legal procedures in Japanese.
Referring to the act of bringing a case to court or engaging in legal proceedings.
The most common and neutral term for a lawsuit or legal action. Used in both formal and everyday contexts.
彼は会社に対して訴訟を起こした。
He filed a lawsuit against the company.
訴訟に勝つのは難しい。
It's difficult to win a lawsuit.
Refers to a trial or court proceedings. Often used in the context of going to court.
裁判に持ち込むつもりだ。
I intend to take it to court.
Means 'legal measures' or 'legal action'. More formal and often used in official statements.
会社は法的措置を取ると発表した。
The company announced it would take legal action.
Specifically the act of initiating a lawsuit.
The standard phrase for 'to file a lawsuit' or 'to bring a lawsuit'.
彼らは損害賠償を求めて訴訟を起こした。
They filed a lawsuit seeking damages.
Verb meaning 'to sue' or 'to bring a case'. Can be used in various contexts.
彼を詐欺で訴えた。
I sued him for fraud.
Formal term for 'to file a lawsuit', often used in legal documents.
原告は裁判所に提訴した。
The plaintiff filed a lawsuit with the court.
Expressing the idea of resorting to legal means.
Common phrase meaning 'to take legal action' or 'to resort to legal means'.
解決しない場合は法的手段を取ります。
If it is not resolved, we will take legal action.
Similar to above, slightly more formal. Often used in warnings.
違法行為には法的措置を取る。
We will take legal action against illegal activities.
Warning someone that you will sue or take legal steps.
Casual but strong way to say 'I'll sue you!' Used in heated situations.
そんなことしたら訴えるぞ。
If you do that, I'll sue you!
Means 'to make it a court case' or 'to take to court'. Implies escalating to legal action.
このままでは裁判沙汰にするしかない。
At this rate, we have no choice but to take it to court.
訴訟 (そしょう) specifically refers to a lawsuit as a legal procedure, while 裁判 (さいばん) refers to the trial or court proceedings. You can say 裁判を起こす, but 訴訟を起こす is more precise for filing a lawsuit.
The English phrase 'legal action' is often translated as 法的措置 or 法的手段, but in casual conversation, simpler terms like 訴える or 裁判 are more natural. Using 法的措置 in everyday speech can sound overly formal or threatening.