Translation guide
The English word 'unlawful' generally means 'not allowed by law' or 'illegal'. In Japanese, the most common and direct equivalent is 違法 (ihō), but other words and phrases are used depending on context, formality, and nuance.
Describing an action, behavior, or thing that is against the law in a general sense.
The most common and direct translation for 'unlawful' or 'illegal'. Used in both spoken and written Japanese, from everyday conversation to legal contexts.
違法行為は罰せられます。
Unlawful acts will be punished.
それは違法ですか？
Is that unlawful?
Often used in legal or formal contexts, meaning 'illegal' or 'unlawful'. It can imply a sense of injustice or wrongfulness beyond mere illegality. Common in compound words like 不法侵入 (trespassing).
不法滞在は法律違反です。
Unlawful residence is a violation of the law.
Means 'illegal' or 'unlawful', often used for organized activities or businesses that operate outside the law, like underground markets. Slightly more formal and less common in daily speech than 違法.
非合法な取引が行われていた。
Unlawful transactions were being conducted.
Literally 'violation of the law'. Used as a noun to describe an unlawful act. Often used in official or legal contexts.
それは明らかな法律違反だ。
That is a clear violation of the law.
Referring to particular types of unlawful behavior, often with set phrases.
Common term for 'illegal download'. Widely understood in everyday Japanese.
違法ダウンロードは犯罪です。
Unlawful downloading is a crime.
Standard term for 'trespassing' or 'unlawful entry'. Used in legal contexts and everyday warnings.
不法侵入は固く禁じます。
Trespassing is strictly prohibited.
Means 'illegal parking'. Very common in urban areas.
ここは違法駐車が多い。
There is a lot of unlawful parking here.
Emphasizing the injustice or wrongfulness of an act, beyond just legal technicality.
Means 'injustice', 'unfairness', or 'wrongful'. Often used for unlawful acts that are also morally corrupt, like fraud or corruption.
不正な手段で金を得た。
He obtained money through unlawful means.
Means 'unjust', 'unfair', or 'unreasonable'. Often used in legal contexts to describe unlawful discrimination or dismissal.
違法 (ihō) is the most general and common word for 'illegal'. 不法 (fuhō) often appears in legal terms and implies a sense of wrongfulness. 非合法 (higōhō) is used for organized illegal activities or things that are not legally recognized. In daily conversation, 違法 is usually the safest choice.
While 法律に反する (hōritsu ni hansuru) literally means 'against the law', it is wordy and less natural than using 違法 or other specific terms. Use it only in very formal explanations.
He sued the company for unlawful dismissal.