Translation guide
The English word 'conspiracy' refers to a secret plan by a group to do something unlawful or harmful, or the act of conspiring. In Japanese, the most common equivalent is 陰謀 (inbou), but other terms like 共謀 (kyoubou) and 企み (takurami) are used depending on context. This guide helps learners choose the right word for different situations.
Expressing a secret plan by a group to commit a crime or cause harm, often political or large-scale.
The most common and general term for 'conspiracy,' implying a secret, often evil plot. Used in political, historical, and fictional contexts.
彼らは政府転覆の陰謀を企てた。
They hatched a conspiracy to overthrow the government.
その陰謀は内部告発によって暴露された。
The conspiracy was exposed by a whistleblower.
Refers specifically to 'conspiracy' as a criminal act of planning together, often used in legal contexts. Emphasizes the collaboration aspect.
彼は殺人共謀の罪で起訴された。
He was charged with conspiracy to commit murder.
A scheme or plot, often with a negative connotation but can be used for less serious or personal intrigues. More colloquial than 陰謀.
彼の企みは失敗に終わった。
His conspiracy ended in failure.
A formal term for conspiracy, often used in legal or historical documents. Implies secret deliberation.
彼らは謀議を重ねた。
They engaged in repeated conspiracies.
Referring to a belief that a secret group is responsible for an event, often without evidence.
The standard term for 'conspiracy theory.' Used widely in media and everyday conversation.
彼は陰謀論を信じている。
He believes in conspiracy theories.
その事件について多くの陰謀論が流れた。
Many conspiracy theories circulated about the incident.
Focusing on the action of planning secretly with others, not necessarily a fully formed plot.
Verb phrase meaning 'to conspire' or 'to hatch a conspiracy.' The most common way to express the action.
彼らはクーデターを企てている。
They are conspiring to stage a coup.
Verb meaning 'to conspire' in a legal or formal sense, emphasizing joint planning.
彼らは証拠隠滅を共謀した。
They conspired to destroy evidence.
Verb meaning 'to scheme' or 'to plot.' Can be used for both serious and petty conspiracies.
陰謀 (inbou) is the general term for a secret plot, often with a grand or sinister scale. 共謀 (kyoubou) is a legal term focusing on the act of planning together, used in criminal charges. 企み (takurami) is a more colloquial word for a scheme or intrigue, which can be used for personal or less serious matters.
While 陰謀論 is the correct term, avoid directly translating 'conspiracy theory' as 陰謀セオリー or similar. Stick to the established compound.
彼は何か悪いことを企んでいる。
He is conspiring to do something bad.