Translation guide
Amnesty refers to an official pardon for a group of people, often for political offenses. In Japanese, the most common term is 恩赦 (おんしゃ), but it is a formal, legal word. In everyday contexts, the concept is often expressed descriptively.
To refer to an official act of pardoning a group, typically for political crimes or offenses against the state.
The standard legal term for amnesty or general pardon. Used in formal and official contexts.
政府は政治犯に恩赦を与えた。
The government granted amnesty to political prisoners.
A specific type of amnesty that completely extinguishes the crime and its effects. More absolute than 恩赦, but less commonly used in general contexts.
国王の即位を記念して大赦が行われた。
A general amnesty was carried out to commemorate the king's enthronement.
A special pardon for an individual, not a group. Technically different from amnesty, but sometimes translated as such in specific contexts.
彼は特赦により釈放された。
He was released by a special pardon.
To describe a limited-time offer of immunity from prosecution, often for turning in illegal items or confessing.
Literally 'amnesty period'. Used in official announcements for temporary amnesty programs.
銃器の恩赦期間中に多くの武器が回収された。
Many weapons were collected during the firearms amnesty period.
Means 'exemption period'. Can be used for amnesty-like programs where penalties are waived.
罰金の免除期間が設けられた。
An amnesty period for fines was established.
To express the idea of letting go of past wrongs in a non-legal, often personal or organizational context.
There is no direct casual equivalent. Instead, use phrases meaning 'to overlook' or 'to forgive'. 不問に付す is formal; 許す is general.
過去の過ちは不問に付すことにした。
We decided to grant amnesty for past mistakes.
会社はその件について全員を許すと発表した。
The company announced an amnesty for everyone involved in the matter.
Idiomatic phrase meaning 'to overlook' or 'to let it slide'. Suitable for informal amnesty-like situations.
Do not use 恩赦 for personal forgiveness between individuals. It is strictly a legal/political term. Use 許す (ゆるす) or 大目に見る (おおめにみる) instead.
恩赦 is the general term for amnesty/pardon. 大赦 is a blanket amnesty for a category of crimes. 特赦 is an individual pardon. In most contexts, 恩赦 is sufficient.
大統領はすべての政治犯に恩赦を宣言した。
The president declared an amnesty for all political prisoners.
月末まで税金の免除期間です。
There is a tax amnesty until the end of the month.
Uses 免除 (exemption) rather than 恩赦, which is more natural for tax contexts.
今回だけは大目に見てやろう。
I'll grant you amnesty just this once.