Translation guide
The English word 'civil' has several distinct meanings, from polite behavior to legal matters and citizenship. This guide breaks down the most useful Japanese equivalents for each sense.
Describing behavior that is polite, respectful, or minimally courteous, often in formal or strained situations.
The most direct equivalent for 'civil' in the sense of polite and well-mannered. Used for people and their behavior.
彼はいつも礼儀正しい。
He is always civil.
礼儀正しい態度で接してください。
Please treat them in a civil manner.
Means 'polite' or 'careful'. Often used for language and service. Can imply civility in interactions.
丁寧な言葉遣いを心がけましょう。
Let's try to use civil language.
Literally 'adult response'. Implies handling a situation calmly and civilly, without getting emotional.
彼は批判に対して大人の対応をした。
He responded to the criticism in a civil manner.
Referring to non-military, non-religious, or civilian aspects of society.
Means 'private' or 'civilian' as opposed to government or military. Used in compounds like 民間企業 (private company).
民間の航空会社
civil aviation company
彼は軍を退役して民間の仕事に就いた。
He left the military and took a civil job.
Means 'citizen' or 'civilian'. Often used in contexts like civil rights (市民権) or civil society (市民社会).
Specifically refers to 'civil' as opposed to 'criminal' in legal contexts. Used in 民事訴訟 (civil lawsuit).
民事事件
civil case
Pertaining to law, government, or public affairs.
Used in legal contexts for civil matters (non-criminal). Common in terms like 民法 (civil law).
民事訴訟を起こす
to file a civil lawsuit
Refers to citizens in a public or civic sense. Used in 公民権 (civil rights) and 公民教育 (civic education).
Means 'state' or 'national'. Used in phrases like 国家公務員 (civil servant).
国家公務員
civil servant
The branch of engineering dealing with infrastructure.
The standard term for civil engineering. Often used in 土木工学 (civil engineering).
彼は土木工学を専攻している。
He is majoring in civil engineering.
While 礼儀正しい is a good match for 'civil' behavior, it implies a higher level of politeness. For minimal civility (just not being rude), 大人の対応 or simply 失礼のない (not rude) might be better.
失礼のないように振る舞ってください。
Please behave in a civil manner (at least don't be rude).
civil liberties
公民権運動
civil rights movement