Translation guide
The process of making illegally obtained money appear legal by filtering it through legitimate businesses or financial systems.
The standard, formal term used in legal, financial, and news contexts.
The most common and formal term for money laundering. Literally 'fund cleansing'.
That bank was involved in money laundering.
The direct loanword from English, widely understood, especially in business and media.
Anti-money laundering laws have been strengthened.
A more colloquial or descriptive term meaning 'hiding funds'. Less formal, used in everyday speech.
He was arrested on suspicion of hiding funds (money laundering).
Describing the action or process in a sentence, often using a verb phrase.
The standard verb phrase: 'to launder funds'. Uses the formal term.
They laundered money through real estate transactions.
Using the loanword as a suru-verb. Common in casual or business contexts.
A very colloquial, almost slangy expression: 'to wash money'. Not suitable for formal contexts.
I hear that guy launders money at casinos.
Referring to measures, laws, or policies against money laundering.
Standard term for 'anti-money laundering measures'. Often abbreviated as AML in English contexts.
Financial institutions need to strengthen anti-money laundering measures.
Literally 'money laundering prevention'. Used in formal documents and legal contexts.
Both are common, but 資金洗浄 is the native Japanese term and sounds more formal or legal. マネーロンダリング is a loanword and is very common in news and business, but may sound slightly less formal in legal documents. In everyday conversation, either is fine.
Do not translate 'money laundering' literally as お金の洗濯 (laundry of money). That would be confusing and unnatural. Use the established terms above.
That organization has been laundering money for years.
International cooperation for the prevention of money laundering is essential.