Translation guide
The English word 'licence' (or 'license') refers to an official document or permission to do something, or the freedom to act. This guide helps learners express these concepts naturally in Japanese.
To refer to a physical or official permit, card, or certificate that grants legal permission.
The most common word for a license card or certificate, especially a driver's license. Often shortened to 免許 (めんきょ) in casual speech.
Please show me your driver's license.
I went to renew my license.
Often used as a shorter form of 免許証, or in compound words like 運転免許 (driver's license). Can also refer to the permission itself rather than the physical card.
I have a medical license.
A permit or license for specific activities, such as a fishing license or business permit. Emphasizes the document as proof of permission.
Apply for a business license.
A loanword from English, used in contexts like software licenses or creative commons. Not used for driver's licenses.
This software is under an open-source license.
To express the idea of having freedom or permission to do something, often in a figurative sense.
General word for permission. Can be used in both formal and informal contexts.
Do not enter without permission.
He got a licence to speak freely.
Means 'freedom' or 'liberty'. Used when 'licence' implies unrestrained freedom, sometimes with a negative connotation of excessive freedom.
A literary or formal term for licentiousness or excessive freedom, often with a negative moral judgment. Rare in everyday speech.
To refer to the freedom to deviate from facts or rules for creative effect.
免許証 is used for personal qualifications like driving or professional licenses. 許可証 is used for permits to conduct activities, such as business or fishing. Do not confuse them.
The phrase 'licence to kill' is often translated as 殺しのライセンス (ころしのらいせんす) in popular culture, but this is a set phrase from James Bond. In normal contexts, use 殺害許可 (さつがいきょか) or rephrase.
He has a licence to kill. (James Bond context)
その作家は表現の自由を主張した。
The writer claimed a licence to express himself.
Lead a life of licence.
The director asked for artistic licence.