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.
Describing the action or process in a sentence, often using a verb phrase.
The standard verb phrase: 'to launder funds'. Uses the formal term.
彼らは不動産取引を通じて資金を洗浄した。
They laundered money through real estate transactions.
Referring to measures, laws, or policies against money laundering.
Standard term for 'anti-money laundering measures'. Often abbreviated as AML in English contexts.
金融機関はマネーロンダリング対策を強化する必要がある。
Financial institutions need to strengthen anti-money laundering measures.
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.
The most common and formal term for money laundering. Literally 'fund cleansing'.
その銀行は資金洗浄に関与していた。
That bank was involved in money laundering.
The direct loanword from English, widely understood, especially in business and media.
マネーロンダリング防止法が強化された。
Anti-money laundering laws have been strengthened.
A more colloquial or descriptive term meaning 'hiding funds'. Less formal, used in everyday speech.
彼は資金隠しの容疑で逮捕された。
He was arrested on suspicion of hiding funds (money laundering).
Using the loanword as a suru-verb. Common in casual or business contexts.
その組織は長年マネーロンダリングをしてきた。
That organization has been laundering money for years.
A very colloquial, almost slangy expression: 'to wash money'. Not suitable for formal contexts.
やつはカジノで金を洗ってるらしい。
I hear that guy launders money at casinos.
Literally 'money laundering prevention'. Used in formal documents and legal contexts.
資金洗浄防止のための国際協力が不可欠だ。
International cooperation for the prevention of money laundering is essential.