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.
彼は刑務所に5年入っていた。
He was in prison for five years.
刑務所の生活は厳しい。
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 Often used in official contexts or historical references.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.
監獄法が改正された。
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.
あいつは牢屋に入れられた。
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.
容疑者は拘置所に移送された。
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.
A literary or dramatic term for prison, often used metaphorically to describe a confining situation.
彼女は結婚生活を牢獄のように感じていた。
She felt her marriage was like a prison.
A phrase meaning 'prison-like', used to describe oppressive environments.
その学校は監獄のような雰囲気だった。
That school had a prison-like atmosphere.
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.