Translation guide
The English word 'prohibited' is used to describe something that is not allowed, often by rules, laws, or social norms. In Japanese, the most natural way to express this depends on whether you are stating a rule, describing something as forbidden, or giving a warning. Common expressions include 禁止 (kinshi) for formal prohibitions, いけない (ikenai) for things you shouldn't do, and だめ (dame) for casual or everyday situations.
Use this when something is officially not allowed, such as in signs, rules, or legal contexts.
This is the most direct equivalent for 'prohibited' in formal contexts. It is often used on signs, in rules, and in official documents. It can be used as a noun or in compound verbs like 禁止する (to prohibit).
Smoking is prohibited here.
No parking (literally: parking prohibited)
This pattern means 'must not do' and is used to state prohibitions in a more explanatory or instructional way. It is less terse than 禁止 and is common in spoken and written rules.
You must not take photos here.
This verb means 'to prohibit' and is used in formal or legal contexts. It is less common in everyday speech than 禁止.
That act is prohibited by law.
Use this when telling someone something is not allowed in a casual or direct way, such as with friends or children.
This is a very common and versatile word meaning 'no good', 'not allowed', or 'useless'. It is casual and can be used in many situations to express prohibition.
You can't play here. (It's not allowed.)
This is a casual contraction of 〜てはいけない, used in spoken Japanese to tell someone not to do something.
Don't touch! (It's prohibited to touch.)
Use this when something is not allowed because of social rules, manners, or expectations, rather than formal laws.
This means 'should not' and is used to express that something is not appropriate or advisable according to social norms or personal judgment.
You shouldn't say such things in public. (It's socially prohibited.)
This loanword from English means 'taboo' and is used for things that are strongly prohibited by social custom or culture.
Use this when giving a direct warning or instruction that an action is prohibited, often in a stern or authoritative tone.
This is a strong, direct imperative form used to prohibit an action. It is often used by authority figures, in warnings, or in very casual rough speech. It attaches to the dictionary form of a verb.
Don't touch! (Prohibited!)
Do not enter!
This is a polite way to ask someone not to do something. It is softer than 〜な and suitable for public announcements or polite requests.
Please do not take photos here.
禁止 (kinshi) is formal and often seen on signs or in official rules. だめ (dame) is casual and used in everyday speech to mean 'not allowed' or 'no good'. いけない (ikenai) is part of the pattern 〜てはいけない, which is a standard way to say 'must not do' and is neutral in formality. Use 禁止 for official prohibitions, だめ for casual prohibitions, and 〜てはいけない for general rules or instructions.
While 禁止 is a direct translation, it is not always natural in casual conversation. In many situations, Japanese speakers prefer to use だめ or a negative request form like 〜ないでください instead of the noun 禁止. Using 禁止 in casual speech can sound overly formal or stiff.
That's not allowed! / Don't do that!
その話題はタブーだ。
That topic is taboo (prohibited).