Translation guide
A system of government where one person or a small group holds absolute power, often obtained and maintained by force. This guide covers how to express the concept of dictatorship in Japanese, from formal political terms to metaphorical and historical usage.
Referring to a form of government where a single ruler or small group has absolute authority, typically without democratic processes.
The most common and direct translation for 'dictatorship' as a political system. It can refer to both the system and the act of ruling autocratically.
その国は独裁政治の下にある。
That country is under a dictatorship.
独裁者は国民の自由を奪った。
The dictator took away the people's freedom.
Explicitly means 'dictatorial government' or 'autocracy'. Used when you want to emphasize the political system rather than just the concept.
独裁政治は民主主義と対立する。
Dictatorship is opposed to democracy.
Refers to a 'dictatorial regime' or 'autocratic system', focusing on the structure of power.
軍事独裁体制が長く続いた。
The military dictatorship lasted a long time.
A more formal or historical term for 'despotism' or 'autocracy'. Often used in academic or historical contexts.
専制君主制は絶対的な権力を特徴とする。
Absolute monarchy is characterized by absolute power.
Referring to the ruler who holds absolute power in a dictatorship.
The standard word for 'dictator'. Neutral in tone but clearly denotes an autocratic ruler.
彼は冷酷な独裁者として知られている。
He is known as a ruthless dictator.
Using 'dictatorship' to describe a person or situation where someone exercises excessive control, not necessarily a government.
An adjective meaning 'dictatorial' or 'autocratic'. Used to describe a person's behavior or a management style.
彼の独裁的な態度に皆が反発した。
Everyone rebelled against his dictatorial attitude.
その会社は独裁的な経営で知られている。
That company is known for its dictatorial management.
A noun phrase meaning 'the way someone acts like a dictator' or 'dictatorial behavior'. Often used critically.
部長の独裁ぶりにはうんざりだ。
I'm fed up with the manager's dictatorial ways.
Specifically referring to a dictatorship led by the military.
The standard term for 'military dictatorship'.
その国は軍事独裁政権によって統治されている。
That country is ruled by a military dictatorship.
独裁 (どくさい) is the general modern term for dictatorship, while 専制 (せんせい) is more historical and often refers to pre-modern autocracy or despotism. In political science, 専制 may be used for absolute monarchy, whereas 独裁 is used for 20th-century dictatorships.
The Marxist term 'dictatorship of the proletariat' is translated as プロレタリア独裁 (プロレタリアどくさい), but this is a set phrase. Do not use 独裁 loosely for other figurative 'dictatorships' without context; it may sound overly political.
Specifically an 'absolute monarch' or 'despotic ruler', often used in historical contexts.
ルイ14世は典型的な専制君主だった。
Louis XIV was a typical absolute monarch.