Translation guide
Refers to Japanese organized crime syndicates and their members. The term is widely recognized internationally, but in Japanese, it specifically denotes members of such groups or the groups themselves. This guide covers how to refer to yakuza members, the organization, and related concepts in natural Japanese.
Referring to a person who is a member of a yakuza group.
The most common and direct term for a yakuza member. Can be used in news, conversation, and media. Often written in katakana.
彼はヤクザだ。
He is a yakuza.
あの人はヤクザかもしれない。
That person might be a yakuza.
Formal term used in legal and police contexts. Literally 'member of a violent group'. Not used in casual conversation.
彼は暴力団員として逮捕された。
He was arrested as a member of a crime syndicate.
A somewhat old-fashioned or literary term for a yakuza member, often used in period dramas or to evoke a traditional image. Can also mean 'villain' or 'wicked person'.
彼は極道の世界に足を踏み入れた。
He stepped into the world of the yakuza.
Referring to the organized crime group as a whole.
Also used to refer to the organization itself. Context makes it clear whether it's a person or group.
ヤクザはこの地域を支配している。
The yakuza controls this area.
A euphemistic term used by yakuza groups themselves to emphasize their self-proclaimed code of chivalry. Not used by general public.
彼らは自分たちを任侠団体と呼ぶ。
They call themselves a chivalrous organization.
Describing something associated with yakuza, such as appearance, behavior, or business.
Means 'yakuza-like' or 'resembling a yakuza'. Used to describe appearance, behavior, or atmosphere.
彼はヤクザのような入れ墨をしている。
He has yakuza-like tattoos.
あの店はヤクザのような雰囲気だ。
That shop has a yakuza-like atmosphere.
Refers to the genre of yakuza films. A common compound.
彼はヤクザ映画が好きだ。
He likes yakuza movies.
Discussing the cultural or societal phenomenon of yakuza.
Refers to the yakuza underworld or society.
彼はヤクザ社会から足を洗った。
He left the yakuza world.
In Japan, openly discussing or labeling someone as yakuza can be sensitive and potentially dangerous. Use the term with caution, especially in public or with people you don't know well.
あの人はヤクザかもしれないけど、そんなこと言わないほうがいい。
That person might be a yakuza, but it's better not to say such things.
ヤクザ is the common term used in everyday language and media. 暴力団 is the formal, legal term used by police and in official documents. When speaking casually, ヤクザ is more natural.
ニュースでは「暴力団」と言うが、普段は「ヤクザ」と言う。
On the news they say 'bōryokudan', but normally we say 'yakuza'.
Formal term for a yakuza organization, used in legal documents and news reports. Literally 'violent group'.
警察はその暴力団を摘発した。
The police cracked down on the crime syndicate.