Translation guide
The English word 'prison' refers to a building where people are legally held as punishment. In Japanese, the most common equivalent is 刑務所 (keimusho), but other terms exist for different contexts, such as 拘置所 (kōchisho) for detention centers and 監獄 (kangoku) in legal or historical contexts. This guide helps learners choose the right term based on formality and situation.
To refer to a prison where convicted criminals serve their sentences.
The standard, neutral term for a prison or penitentiary. Used in everyday conversation and news.
He was in prison for five years.
Life in prison is tough.
A more formal or legal term for prison. Often used in official contexts or historical references. Can sound slightly old-fashioned.
The Prison Act was revised.
A colloquial and somewhat old-fashioned word for jail or prison. Often used in period dramas or casual speech, but can sound rough.
That guy got thrown in the slammer.
To refer to a place where suspects are held before trial or for short-term confinement.
A detention center or jail where suspects are held before trial or during investigation. Distinct from a prison for convicted criminals.
The suspect was transferred to the detention center.
A police detention cell or short-term holding facility. Often used for temporary custody.
To describe a situation or state that feels like a prison, such as being trapped or confined.
刑務所 is for convicted criminals serving sentences. 拘置所 is for suspects awaiting trial. 留置所 is for short-term police custody. Using the wrong term can cause confusion.
English often uses 'jail' for short-term facilities, but Japanese distinguishes clearly. Do not use 刑務所 for a police holding cell; use 留置所 instead.
He spent a night in the holding cell.
That school had a prison-like atmosphere.