Translation guide
The concept of legality in Japanese is expressed through words for lawfulness, legal validity, and adherence to law. The most common term is 合法性 (ごうほうせい), but depending on context, other words like 適法性 (てきほうせい) or 法律性 (ほうりつせい) may be used. In everyday speech, simpler phrases like 法律に従って (ほうりつにしたがって) are often more natural.
The quality or state of being in accordance with the law.
The most common and general term for 'legality' as a concept. Used in legal, political, and formal contexts.
この契約の合法性について弁護士に相談した。
I consulted a lawyer about the legality of this contract.
その行為の合法性が裁判で争われた。
The legality of the act was disputed in court.
Often used in legal contexts to mean 'lawfulness' or 'legality' in the sense of conforming to specific laws or regulations. Slightly more technical than 合法性.
捜査の適法性が問題となった。
The legality of the investigation was called into question.
Can mean 'legality' but is less common and may be used in philosophical or theoretical discussions about the nature of law.
その規則の法律性について議論する。
We discuss the legality (legal nature) of the rule.
Whether something is legally valid, binding, or recognized.
While primarily meaning 'validity' or 'effectiveness', in legal contexts it often corresponds to 'legality' in the sense of being legally effective.
この文書の法的有効性を確認する必要がある。
We need to verify the legality (legal validity) of this document.
A common phrase meaning 'legally valid'. Often used in everyday contexts.
この契約は法的に有効ですか？
Is this contract legally valid?
The practice of following the law; legality as a principle of action.
The most natural way to express 'acting in accordance with the law' or 'observing legality' in everyday Japanese.
我々は常に法律に従って行動しなければならない。
We must always act in accordance with the law (legality).
A formal term for 'compliance with laws and regulations', often used in business and official contexts.
当社は法令遵守を徹底しています。
Our company is committed to legality (legal compliance).
Expressions used when asking about or judging the legality of something.
A common way to ask 'whether something is legal or not'.
この取引は合法かどうか調べてください。
Please check the legality of this transaction.
Means 'there is a legal problem', often used to question legality.
そのやり方には法的に問題があるかもしれない。
There might be issues with the legality of that method.
合法性 is the broader, more common term for 'legality' as a general concept. 適法性 is more technical and often used in specific legal judgments about whether an action conforms to a particular law. In most contexts, 合法性 is sufficient.
In everyday conversation, directly using 合法性 can sound overly formal or technical. Instead, use phrases like 法律に従って (according to the law) or 法的に問題ない (legally no problem) to sound more natural.
新しい政策の合法性が議論されている。
The legality of the new policy is being debated.
我々の行動の合法性を確保する必要がある。
We need to ensure the legality of our actions.