Translation guide
The English word 'attorney' refers to a legal professional who represents clients. In Japanese, the most common equivalent is 弁護士 (bengoshi), but the role and terminology differ from the US/UK legal systems. This guide covers how to express the concept naturally in Japanese.
Referring to a licensed legal professional who advises clients and represents them in court.
The standard term for a lawyer/attorney in Japan. Covers both solicitors and barristers in a general sense.
彼は弁護士です。
He is an attorney.
弁護士に相談したほうがいいですよ。
You should consult an attorney.
A broader term meaning 'legal expert' or 'jurist'. Can include attorneys, judges, and scholars. Less specific than 弁護士.
彼女は優れた法律家だ。
She is an excellent attorney.
A formal, collective term for legal professionals (judges, prosecutors, attorneys). Used in official contexts.
法曹界で働きたい。
I want to work in the legal profession.
Specifically referring to a US attorney, often in contrast to other legal roles.
Simply 'American attorney'. Use when the nationality is relevant.
彼はアメリカの弁護士資格を持っている。
He is licensed as an attorney in the US.
Often sufficient without specifying 'American' if context is clear.
ニューヨークの弁護士に依頼した。
I hired a New York attorney.
Referring to the legal document or the person granted authority to act on another's behalf.
A power of attorney document. The person holding it is often called 代理人 (dairinin) or 受任者 (juninsha).
委任状を作成してください。
Please prepare a power of attorney.
The person acting as an attorney-in-fact or agent under a power of attorney.
Referring to a government attorney who prosecutes criminal cases.
While 弁護士 is the direct equivalent, the Japanese legal profession is unified; there is no formal split between solicitors and barristers. Avoid using 法務博士 (ほうむはくし) or other terms unless referring to academic degrees.
In Japanese, you would typically address an attorney as 先生 (せんせい) to show respect, similar to doctors and teachers. Example: 田中先生、ご相談があります。 (Mr./Ms. Tanaka, I have a legal matter to discuss.)
彼が私の代理人です。
He is my attorney-in-fact.
The prosecutor's questioning began.