Translation guide
A member of an organized crime group, especially the Mafia. In Japanese, the most common term is やくざ, but it refers specifically to Japanese organized crime. For Italian-American Mafia, マフィア or マフィアの構成員 is used.
Referring to a member of a Japanese crime syndicate.
The most common term for a member of a Japanese organized crime group. Can also refer to the organization itself.
He is a mobster.
That shop is run by mobsters.
Formal term used in legal and news contexts. Literally 'member of a violent group'.
The police arrested a mobster.
A more traditional or dramatic term for a yakuza member, often used in movies or novels.
He stepped into the world of mobsters.
Referring to a member of the Mafia, especially the Italian-American Mafia.
The loanword for 'Mafia'. Can refer to the organization or a member. Often clarified with context.
He is a member of the Mafia.
The mobsters seem to be involved.
Explicitly means 'member of the Mafia'. More precise than just マフィア.
Loanword for 'gang'. Can refer to a mobster or gangster in a broad sense, not exclusively Mafia.
Referring to a violent criminal, often in a colloquial sense.
やくざ specifically refers to Japanese organized crime syndicates. Using it for Italian Mafia or other foreign groups can cause confusion. Use マフィア or ギャング instead.
He is an Italian mobster.
やくざ is the common, everyday term. 暴力団 is the formal, legal term used by police and media. In casual conversation, やくざ is preferred.
I like yakuza movies.
The anti-organized crime law was enacted.
He was indicted as a mobster.
There are mobsters in the city.
町はならず者で溢れている。
The town is full of mobsters.