Translation guide
The English word "sanction" has two nearly opposite meanings: (1) official approval or permission, and (2) a penalty or coercive measure. This guide separates these meanings and provides natural Japanese expressions for each.
Expressing that an authority has given formal consent or authorization.
Formal approval or authorization by an official body, such as a government agency. Often used for licenses, permits, or institutional consent.
Expressing a punitive action taken by a state or organization to enforce compliance or punish behavior.
In English, "sanction" can mean both approval and penalty. In Japanese, these are completely separate words. Using 制裁 (penalty) when you mean 認可 (approval) would cause serious confusion. Always determine the intended meaning from context before translating.
to impose sanctions (penalties)
政府の認可が必要です。
Government sanction is required.
Approval or recognition, often used in organizational or official contexts. Can imply formal acceptance of a plan, application, or status.
We obtained the board's sanction.
Permission or license. More general than 認可, and can be used for everyday permissions as well as official ones.
We started construction with the city's sanction.
Imperial or high-level official sanction; historically used for the emperor's approval. Rare in modern contexts.
The law was promulgated after imperial sanction.
The standard term for sanctions as penalties, especially economic or diplomatic sanctions between countries. Also used for disciplinary measures within organizations.
The UN imposed economic sanctions on that country.
The company applied sanctions for rule violations.
Penal regulations or punitive provisions, often found in laws or contracts. Refers to the rules themselves rather than the act of imposing them.
This law has strict sanctions.
Punishment or penalization, focusing on the act of punishing. Can be used in legal or disciplinary contexts.
Violators will face severe sanctions.
Retaliatory measures, often used in international relations when sanctions are a response to another country's actions.
The country imposed trade restrictions as a sanction.
認可を与える
to grant sanction (approval)