Translation guide
The English word "taboo" refers to something prohibited or restricted by social or cultural custom. In Japanese, the most common equivalent is タブー, a loanword from English. However, depending on context, other words like 禁物, 禁忌, or ご法度 may be more natural. This guide helps learners choose the right expression based on meaning and situation.
Expressing that something is socially unacceptable or forbidden by custom, not necessarily by law.
The most direct and common translation. Used widely in modern Japanese for social, cultural, or conversational taboos. Can be used as a noun or na-adjective.
That topic is taboo.
Talking about politics is considered taboo here.
Literally 'forbidden thing'. Often used in warnings or advice, meaning something should be strictly avoided because it leads to bad results. Common in set phrases like 油断は禁物 (carelessness is taboo/fatal).
Originally a term for laws in the Edo period, now used humorously or emphatically to mean something strictly forbidden in a particular group or situation. Often used in the phrase ご法度だ.
Referring to something forbidden by religious or traditional beliefs, often with a sense of sacredness or impurity.
Formal term for religious, medical, or traditional taboos. Often used in academic or technical contexts. Can also mean 'contraindication' in medicine.
This tribe has many food taboos.
That is a religious taboo.
Also used for religious taboos, but less formal than 禁忌. Suitable for general conversation.
Emphasizing that an action or topic is absolutely forbidden, often with a sense of strict rule or consequence.
Means 'strictly prohibited'. Used for rules and regulations. Stronger than タブー. Often seen on signs or in official warnings.
Smoking is strictly taboo here.
General word for 'prohibited'. Less strong than 厳禁 but still formal. Commonly used in rules and laws.
タブー is the most common and covers social/cultural taboos. 禁忌 is formal and used for religious, medical, or traditional taboos. 禁物 is used in warnings about things that lead to bad outcomes, often in set phrases.
Being late is taboo.
This medicine is contraindicated during pregnancy.
Overconfidence is taboo.
While タブー is widely understood, in formal writing or specific contexts (e.g., medical, legal), using 禁忌 or 禁止 may be more appropriate. Using タブー in a legal document would sound out of place.
油断は禁物だ。
Carelessness is taboo. (You must not be careless.)
Getting emotional in this job is taboo.
職場での恋愛はご法度だ。
Office romance is taboo.
In that village, eating certain animals is taboo.
Unauthorized parking is taboo.
Photography is taboo in this area.