Translation guide
The English word 'lockdown' refers to a security measure where people are confined to a specific area, often due to an emergency. In Japanese, there is no single direct equivalent; the best translation depends on the context: a prison lockdown, a school lockdown, or a pandemic stay-at-home order.
To describe a situation where inmates or residents are confined to their cells or rooms as a security measure.
The loanword 'ロックダウン' is widely understood in Japanese, especially in news contexts. It can refer to prison lockdowns or broader emergency confinements.
A lockdown was implemented at the prison.
A formal term meaning 'strict alert posture', used for heightened security measures in facilities.
The prison went into a strict alert posture.
Literally 'closure measures', this can be used for lockdowns in facilities but is less common for prisons.
Closure measures were taken for the facility.
To describe a situation where a school or office is secured due to an external threat, with people sheltering in place.
Means 'emergency evacuation measures'. Often used in drills or actual incidents at schools.
An emergency lockdown was issued at the school.
Literally 'school lockdown/blockade'. Used specifically for securing a school building.
The loanword is also used for school lockdowns, especially in news reports.
To describe government orders restricting movement and requiring people to stay home during a pandemic.
The official term for a state of emergency declaration in Japan, which includes requests to stay home. Not a strict lockdown, but the closest legal equivalent.
The government issued a state of emergency declaration.
Means 'request to refrain from going out'. This is the typical measure in Japan, which is voluntary rather than enforced.
Used in media to describe strict lockdowns in other countries. In Japan, it often implies a legally enforced confinement, which was not implemented.
Literally 'city blockade'. Used for strict lockdowns like those in Wuhan, but not for Japan's measures.
During the COVID-19 pandemic, Japan did not implement legally enforced lockdowns. The government issued '緊急事態宣言' (state of emergency) and '外出自粛要請' (requests to stay home), which were voluntary. Using 'ロックダウン' to describe Japan's situation may be misleading.
In Japan, it wasn't a lockdown but a stay-at-home request that was issued.
'ロックダウン' implies strict, enforceable confinement with penalties, as seen in some countries. '緊急事態宣言' is a legal framework that allows governors to request closures and staying home, but without penalties. For Japan's context, use '緊急事態宣言' or '外出自粛要請'.
The prison is on lockdown after the riot.
Schools practiced lockdown drills today.
Uses '緊急避難訓練' (emergency evacuation drill) which includes lockdown procedures.
The city went into lockdown due to the virus.
A school lockdown was conducted due to a report of a suspicious person.
The school was locked down.
The prefecture issued a stay-at-home request.
In Japan, 'ロックダウン' may be misunderstood as a legally enforced measure, which did not occur during COVID-19. Use with care.
Overseas, entire cities were put under lockdown.
Wuhan was locked down.
Overseas lockdowns come with penalties, but Japan's state of emergency is request-based.