Translation guide
The English word 'license' can refer to an official document or permit, or to the abstract concept of permission or freedom to act. Japanese uses different words for these meanings, and also has a common verb form for 'to license'.
driver's license
software license
permission (to do something)
A physical or digital card, certificate, or document that proves you have official permission to do something (e.g., drive, practice a profession, own a software).
The most common word for an official license, especially for driving, professional qualifications, and government-issued permits.
I got my driver's license.
I have a medical license.
A loanword from English, often used for software licenses, business permits, or in contexts with a modern or international feel. Less common for driver's licenses.
A written permit or certificate of permission, often for specific activities like construction, events, or carrying certain items. More formal and document-focused.
The abstract right or freedom to do something, often without a physical document. Can be formal or informal.
General word for permission or approval. Used when someone allows you to do something.
You need permission to take photos here.
I can't travel without my parents' permission.
Means 'freedom' or 'liberty'. Used when 'license' implies unrestrained freedom, often in a negative sense (poetic license, license to kill).
Often used in set phrases like 詩的許容 (poetic license). Not a direct translation for everyday permission.
In some contexts, 'license' as a concept is better expressed with a verb meaning 'to allow' or 'to permit'.
He has license to do whatever he wants.
The action of giving someone a license or official permission to do something.
Literally 'to grant a license'. Used for official licenses like driving or professional qualifications.
The government licensed a new bank.
A verb form of the loanword, often used in business or technology contexts (e.g., licensing software or patents).
Formal term for official approval or authorization, often by a government agency.
免許 is the standard word for official licenses like driving, medical, or teaching. ライセンス is a loanword used in modern contexts like software, business, or international permits. 許可 is general permission, not necessarily a physical license.
Please show me your driver's license.
Please enter the license key for this app.
We got permission to hold the event.
免許 is for official qualifications. For software, use ライセンス or sometimes 使用許諾 (しようきょだく). Using 免許 for software sounds unnatural.
You need a license to drive a car.
The software is distributed under an open-source license.
He took poetic license with the facts.
A more natural translation than a literal one for 'poetic license'.
This software license is valid for one year.
工事の許可証を掲示してください。
Please display the construction permit.
That's within the bounds of poetic license.
We plan to license this technology to other companies.
The city licensed the new restaurant to operate.