Translation guide
The English word "vice" has two main meanings: a moral failing or bad habit, and a tool that grips objects. It can also refer to criminal activities involving sex or drugs. This guide covers these distinct meanings with natural Japanese equivalents.
Expressing a personal weakness, immoral behavior, or bad habit, such as gambling, drinking, or lying.
A common word for a bad habit or vice, often used for personal weaknesses like drinking or gambling.
His vice is gambling.
Refers to a bad custom or vice, often used in a slightly more formal or societal context.
To give up the vice of drinking.
A formal term for immorality or vice, often used in ethical or philosophical discussions.
To be ashamed of one's vices.
Referring to a mechanical tool with two jaws that close to hold an object firmly, used in woodworking or metalworking.
Referring to illegal or immoral activities, especially related to prostitution, pornography, or narcotics, often used in phrases like 'vice squad'.
Refers to crimes against public morals, including prostitution and gambling. Often used in police contexts.
Crackdown on vice crimes.
Means 'corrupt' or 'vicious', often used in compounds like 悪徳商法 (fraudulent business practices). Not a direct translation of 'vice' but appears in related contexts.
In American English, the tool is spelled 'vise', while in British English it is 'vice'. Japanese uses 万力 or バイス regardless.
悪癖 (あくへき) is more personal and habitual, while 悪習 (あくしゅう) can refer to a bad custom shared by a group. For personal vices like smoking, 悪癖 is more natural.
Clamp the part in a vise.
Specifically refers to obscene or indecent acts, often sexual in nature.
He was arrested for vice (obscene acts).
悪徳商法に注意。
Beware of vice (fraudulent) business practices.