Translation guide
The English word 'wiretap' can refer to the act of secretly intercepting communications (especially phone lines) or the device used to do so. In Japanese, different words and phrases are used depending on whether you mean the act of wiretapping, the device, or related concepts like surveillance. This guide covers the most common and natural ways to express these ideas.
To express the action of secretly listening to or recording phone calls or other communications.
The police were wiretapping the suspect's phone.
He realized his room was being wiretapped.
Means 'to intercept' communications, often used in technical, military, or legal contexts. It can refer to radio, phone, or data interception. Slightly more formal than 盗聴する.
The intelligence agency intercepted the enemy's communications.
Literally 'to listen stealthily', this is a more general term for eavesdropping, not necessarily electronic. It can be used for wiretapping but is less specific and more colloquial.
He eavesdropped on the conversation from outside the door.
To refer to the physical device used to tap a phone line or listen in on conversations.
The standard word for a listening device or bug used for wiretapping. It specifically refers to electronic surveillance devices.
A listening device had been planted in the room.
A more formal or technical term for 'wiretapping device' or 'surveillance equipment'. Often used in official reports or technical descriptions.
Loanword from English 'bug', used in spy or tech contexts. Understandable but less common than 盗聴器 in general conversation.
To refer to wiretapping conducted by law enforcement with a warrant.
The legal term for 'communication interception', used in laws and official documents regarding authorized wiretapping by police or intelligence agencies.
The court issued a warrant for wiretapping.
Short for 'wiretapping law', referring to the legal framework that allows wiretapping under certain conditions. Often used in news and discussions about privacy.
To refer to the act of wiretapping as a noun, e.g., 'a wiretap' or 'the wiretap'.
盗聴 (touchou) implies secret, often illegal eavesdropping, while 傍受 (bouju) is a neutral term for interception, often used in technical or legal contexts. Use 盗聴 for everyday wiretapping and 傍受 for official or technical interception.
His phone was being tapped (illegally).
Satellite communications were intercepted.
There is no single Japanese verb that directly translates 'to wiretap' in all contexts. Use 盗聴する for the act of tapping phones or bugging rooms. Do not attempt to combine ワイヤー (wire) and タップ (tap) as it will not be understood.
The police wiretapped the phone.
I found a bug.
Sophisticated wiretapping equipment was used.
The spy planted a bug in the phone.
Amendments to the wiretapping law are being debated.
The wiretapping was uncovered.
Interception of communications is regulated by international law.