Translation guide
The legal concept of being found not guilty or cleared of charges. This guide covers how to express acquittal in Japanese legal and everyday contexts.
To refer to a formal not-guilty verdict or legal exoneration.
The standard legal term for 'not guilty' or 'innocence'. Used in court verdicts and legal documents.
To express that someone has been cleared of wrongdoing or suspicion, not necessarily in a formal legal setting.
To discuss the idea of acquittal in general, such as in academic or philosophical contexts.
Can also be used abstractly to mean 'innocence' or 'acquittal' as a concept.
The English word 'acquittal' does not have a single direct equivalent in Japanese. Use 無罪 for legal contexts and 容疑が晴れる for general clearing of suspicion. Do not try to translate 'acquittal' as a standalone noun in casual conversation.
無罪 is a formal legal term meaning 'not guilty' or 'innocence'. 容疑が晴れる is a more everyday expression meaning 'to be cleared of suspicion'. Use 無罪 when referring to court verdicts; use 容疑が晴れる when talking about someone being cleared in a non-legal context.
裁判所は被告に無罪の判決を下した。
The court handed down a verdict of not guilty for the defendant.
彼は無罪を主張した。
He pleaded not guilty.
Specifically refers to a 'not guilty verdict' or 'acquittal judgment'.
無罪判決が出た。
A not-guilty verdict was handed down.
A somewhat literary or dramatic term meaning 'acquitted and released'. Often used in news or historical contexts.
彼は無罪放免となった。
He was acquitted and released.
Means 'innocence is proven'. Emphasizes the proof of innocence.
彼の潔白が証明された。
His innocence was proven.
Refers to a false charge or wrongful conviction. Often used in the context of being exonerated after a miscarriage of justice.
彼は冤罪で長年苦しんだ。
He suffered for years from a false accusation.
無罪の推定は重要な原則だ。
The presumption of innocence is an important principle.
Can be used in historical or dramatic discussions of acquittal.
無罪放免の歴史的意義について議論した。
We discussed the historical significance of acquittal and release.