Translation guide
The concept of 'public domain' refers to creative works not protected by copyright and free for anyone to use. In Japanese, this is expressed through specific legal terms, descriptive phrases, or explanations depending on context.
To refer to works that are not protected by copyright and can be freely used by anyone.
The direct loanword from English, commonly used in legal, academic, and creative contexts. Widely understood.
This work is in the public domain.
A descriptive phrase meaning 'a work whose copyright protection period has expired.' Used in formal or explanatory contexts.
Works whose copyright protection period has expired can be used freely.
A legal term meaning 'public ownership,' sometimes used in the context of intellectual property. Less common in everyday language.
That invention is in the public domain.
To describe something that is available for anyone to use without restrictions, not necessarily in a strict legal sense.
To refer to land or property owned by the government and accessible to the public.
The English phrase 'public domain' is often directly borrowed as パブリックドメイン, but in some contexts, a more descriptive Japanese phrase is clearer. For example, when talking about land, use 公有地 or 公共の土地 instead of パブリックドメイン.
This land is in the public domain. (Unnatural)
This data is available for anyone to use.
This is public land, so anyone can enter.