Translation guide
Goods that are illegal to import, export, or possess. In Japanese, the concept is expressed through specific terms for smuggled goods, prohibited items, and the act of smuggling itself.
Referring to items that are brought into or out of a country illegally, or goods that are banned.
Referring to the illegal transportation of goods, rather than the goods themselves.
The general term for smuggling. Can be used as a noun or combined with other words (e.g., 密輸する 'to smuggle').
Items that are banned by law or regulation, not necessarily involving smuggling.
密輸品 (mitsuyuhin) specifically means smuggled goods, emphasizing the illegal transportation. 禁制品 (kinseihin) means prohibited goods, focusing on the ban itself, regardless of how they were obtained. In many contexts they overlap, but 密輸品 is more common for contraband found at borders.
English 'contraband' is often used as a mass noun, but Japanese terms like 密輸品 are countable. Avoid directly translating 'contraband' as a single word in all contexts; choose the term that fits the specific nuance.
The most direct and common term for smuggled goods. Used in legal, news, and everyday contexts.
税関で密輸品が見つかった。
Contraband was found at customs.
彼は密輸品を所持していた。
He was in possession of contraband.
Refers to prohibited goods in general, not necessarily smuggled. Often used in legal or official contexts.
この港では禁制品の取り締まりが厳しい。
Control of contraband is strict at this port.
Similar to 密輸品 but slightly more formal or literary. Less common in everyday speech.
警察は密輸物の押収に成功した。
The police succeeded in seizing the contraband.
彼は麻薬の密輸で逮捕された。
He was arrested for drug smuggling.
密輸は重大な犯罪です。
Smuggling is a serious crime.
Specifically refers to illegal trade or smuggling as a commercial activity. Often used in historical or economic contexts.
江戸時代には密貿易が盛んだった。
Smuggling was rampant in the Edo period.
A straightforward term for prohibited items. Common in signs, rules, and everyday warnings.
飛行機に禁止品を持ち込まないでください。
Please do not bring prohibited items onto the plane.
Specifically items prohibited from being brought into a place. Often seen on signs at airports or event venues.
会場への持ち込み禁止品はホームページでご確認ください。
Please check the website for items prohibited from being brought into the venue.