Translation guide
In English, 'white hat' can refer to a literal white-colored hat, or metaphorically to a good or heroic character, especially in cybersecurity (ethical hacker). This guide covers both literal and figurative uses.
Describing or referring to a hat that is white in color.
Standard phrase for a white hat. 白い (shiroi) means white, 帽子 (boushi) means hat.
彼は白い帽子をかぶっている。
He is wearing a white hat.
Literary or technical term for a white hat, sometimes used in contexts like uniforms or formal descriptions. Less common in everyday speech.
白帽の紳士が現れた。
A gentleman in a white hat appeared.
Referring to a person who is morally good, a hero, or the 'good guy' in a story or situation.
Literally 'good ball/role', used in contrast to 悪玉 (akudama, villain). Common in fiction and metaphorical contexts.
彼はこの物語の善玉だ。
He is the good guy in this story.
Means 'ally of justice', often used for superheroes or heroic characters. Conveys a strong sense of righteousness.
彼は正義の味方として戦う。
He fights as a champion of justice.
Loanword from English 'hero'. Widely understood, especially in entertainment contexts.
Referring to a computer security expert who uses hacking skills for defensive or ethical purposes.
Direct loanword from English 'white hat hacker'. Commonly used in IT and security contexts.
彼はホワイトハッカーとして企業のセキュリティを守っている。
He protects corporate security as a white hat hacker.
Means 'ethical hacker'. A more formal or descriptive term, sometimes used in academic or policy discussions.
倫理的ハッカーは法律の範囲内で活動する。
Ethical hackers operate within the bounds of the law.
While 白い帽子 is correct for a literal white hat, it does not carry the figurative meanings of 'good guy' or 'ethical hacker'. Use context-appropriate terms like 善玉 or ホワイトハッカー for those meanings.
善玉 (zendama) is a neutral term for a good character, often used in contrast to 悪玉 (akudama, villain). 正義の味方 (seigi no mikata) implies active championing of justice, closer to 'superhero' or 'defender of justice'.
彼は子供たちにとってヒーローだ。
He is a hero to the children.
Uses the 'good guy' metaphor 善玉 (zendama) combined with ハッカー (hacker). Less common but understandable.
善玉ハッカーがシステムの脆弱性を発見した。
A white hat hacker discovered a vulnerability in the system.