Translation guide
The English word 'pirate' can refer to a sea robber, someone who illegally copies media, or a verb meaning to copy or rob. This guide covers natural Japanese expressions for each meaning.
A person who attacks and robs ships at sea.
The standard word for a pirate in the historical or criminal sense. Can also refer to modern maritime piracy.
その海賊は宝物を隠した。
The pirate hid the treasure.
海賊が船を襲った。
Pirates attacked the ship.
Loanword from English, often used in names of sports teams, movies, or as a stylistic choice. Not the primary term for actual pirates.
パイレーツ・オブ・カリビアンは人気の映画です。
Pirates of the Caribbean is a popular movie.
A person who illegally copies and distributes copyrighted material such as software, music, or movies.
Refers to pirated copies or the act of piracy. Often used as a noun modifier. To describe a person, you might say 海賊版を作る人 (person who makes pirated copies).
海賊版のソフトウェアを使わないでください。
Please don't use pirated software.
彼は海賊版DVDを売って捕まった。
He was caught selling pirated DVDs.
Literally 'illegal copy'. A more direct and formal term for the act of copying without permission. Can be used as a noun or verb (違法コピーする).
音楽の違法コピーは犯罪です。
Illegal copying of music is a crime.
The verb meaning to make unauthorized copies of software, music, etc., or to use such copies.
Literally 'use a pirated version'. This is the most natural way to express the action of using pirated material.
彼はよく海賊版のソフトを使っている。
He often uses pirated software.
Means 'to download illegally'. Common for digital piracy.
映画を違法にダウンロードしてはいけません。
You must not download movies illegally.
Simply 'to copy'. In context, it can imply illegal copying, but it's ambiguous. Often used with 違法に (illegally) for clarity.
そのソフトをコピーしないで。
Don't copy that software.
The verb meaning to act as a pirate, attacking and robbing ships. Rare in modern usage.
Means 'to commit piracy'. Used in news or legal contexts about modern piracy.
その海域では海賊行為が多発している。
Acts of piracy are frequent in those waters.
Means 'to plunder' or 'to loot'. Can describe pirate actions but is broader.
海賊は村を略奪した。
The pirates plundered the village.
While 海賊 alone means 'pirate' as a sea robber, for copyright infringement you must use 海賊版 (pirated edition) or other specific terms. Saying 海賊ソフト would be understood but is not standard; 海賊版ソフト is correct.
海賊 is the native Japanese word for pirate and is used in serious contexts (news, history). パイレーツ is a loanword that sounds more playful or commercial, often used in entertainment (e.g., パイレーツ・オブ・カリビアン). For actual piracy, stick with 海賊.
彼は有名な海賊だった。
He was a famous pirate.
映画を違法にダウンロードしないで。
Don't pirate movies.
Natural Japanese uses 'illegally download' rather than a direct verb for 'pirate'.
Formal legal term for copyright infringement. Used in official contexts.
著作権侵害で訴えられた。
He was sued for copyright infringement.