Translation guide
The concept of legitimacy in Japanese is expressed through words related to lawfulness, validity, social acceptance, and proper lineage. The most common translations are 正当性 (seitousei) for general legitimacy and 合法性 (gousei) for legal legitimacy.
Expressing that something is justified, valid, or rightful in a broad sense, such as the legitimacy of a claim, argument, or authority.
The most common and versatile word for legitimacy, meaning validity, justifiability, or rightfulness. Used in legal, political, and everyday contexts.
彼の主張の正当性を認める。
I acknowledge the legitimacy of his claim.
この決定の正当性に疑問がある。
There are doubts about the legitimacy of this decision.
Refers to legitimacy in terms of orthodoxy, proper lineage, or traditional authenticity. Often used for dynasties, schools of thought, or succession.
彼の王位継承の正統性が問われている。
The legitimacy of his succession to the throne is being questioned.
Means validity or appropriateness, often used for arguments, methods, or decisions. Closer to 'soundness' but can overlap with legitimacy.
その方法の妥当性を検証する。
We will verify the legitimacy (validity) of that method.
Expressing that something is lawful, legal, or in accordance with the law.
Specifically means legality or lawfulness. Used in legal and formal contexts.
その契約の合法性を確認する。
We will confirm the legitimacy (legality) of the contract.
A more technical term for legality, often used in legal documents or discussions.
Referring to the status of a child born to married parents.
The formal term for legitimate birth. Often used in legal contexts regarding inheritance or family registry.
その子は嫡出であることが証明された。
The child's legitimacy was proven.
A noun meaning 'legitimate child'. Used in legal and family contexts.
彼は嫡出子として扱われる。
He is treated as a legitimate child.
Expressing that a person, organization, or action is socially accepted or credible.
Means credibility or trustworthiness. Often used when legitimacy is about being believable or reliable.
その組織の信頼性が損なわれた。
The legitimacy (credibility) of the organization was damaged.
Also used for social legitimacy in terms of being recognized as proper or authentic, e.g., a legitimate successor or tradition.
正当性 (seitousei) is about moral or logical justification, while 合法性 (gousei) is strictly about conformity to law. An action can have 合法性 but lack 正当性, or vice versa.
その法律は合法性はあるが、正当性に欠ける。
That law has legality but lacks legitimacy.
Do not directly translate 'legitimacy' as レジティマシー; it is not a natural Japanese word. Use the appropriate term based on context.
The legality (legitimacy) of the act was disputed.
彼はその流派の正統な後継者だ。
He is the legitimate successor of that school.