Translation guide
A room where a court of law meets. In Japanese, the most common term is 法廷 (ほうてい), but other words like 裁判所 (さいばんしょ) can refer to the building or the court as an institution. This guide helps you choose the right word depending on context.
Referring to the actual room inside a courthouse where judges, lawyers, and defendants gather for legal proceedings.
The standard, neutral term for a courtroom. Used in legal contexts, news, and everyday conversation.
Referring to the court system, the courthouse building, or the legal proceedings in general, not specifically the room.
法廷 specifically means the courtroom (the room). 裁判所 means the courthouse or the court as an institution. If you say 'I'm in the courtroom,' use 法廷にいる. If you say 'I'm at the courthouse,' use 裁判所にいる.
法廷に入る前に携帯電話の電源をお切りください。
Please turn off your cell phone before entering the courtroom.
法廷では静かにしなければなりません。
You must be quiet in the courtroom.
Primarily means 'courthouse' or 'court' as an institution, but can sometimes refer to the courtroom itself in casual speech. Use with caution; 法廷 is more precise for the room.
Can be ambiguous. If you mean the building, 裁判所 is correct. For the room, 法廷 is better.
裁判所の中は思ったより広かった。
The inside of the courthouse/courtroom was bigger than I expected.
The general term for a court of law, including the building and the institution. Use this when talking about going to court, the court's decision, etc.
明日、裁判所に行かなければなりません。
I have to go to court tomorrow.
裁判所はその法律を違憲と判断した。
The court ruled the law unconstitutional.
Can be used metaphorically to refer to the court as a place of judgment, but less common than 裁判所 for the institution.
世論の法廷で裁かれる。
To be judged in the court of public opinion.