Translation guide
The English word "evidence" covers a range of concepts from physical proof to testimony and signs. In Japanese, the most common equivalent is 証拠 (しょうこ), but depending on context, words like 証言 (しょうげん), 形跡 (けいせき), or 根拠 (こんきょ) may be more natural. This guide helps you choose the right expression.
Referring to objects, documents, or facts that prove something, especially in legal, scientific, or everyday contexts.
The most direct and common translation for 'evidence' in the sense of proof. Used in legal, scientific, and everyday situations.
彼の指紋が証拠として見つかった。
His fingerprints were found as evidence.
証拠がないと、何も言えない。
Without evidence, I can't say anything.
Specifically 'physical evidence', used in legal or investigative contexts.
警察は物的証拠を集めている。
The police are collecting physical evidence.
Referring to spoken or written statements given as proof, especially in court or formal settings.
Refers specifically to testimony or a statement given as evidence, often in legal contexts.
目撃者の証言は重要だ。
The witness's testimony is important.
彼は法廷で証言した。
He gave evidence in court.
A formal term for a statement or deposition, often used in police or legal contexts.
Referring to observable signs that suggest something happened or exists, often without concrete proof.
Refers to traces, marks, or evidence of something having occurred. Often used when there is no direct proof but signs point to it.
侵入の形跡はなかった。
There was no evidence of a break-in.
彼が来た形跡がない。
There's no sign that he came.
Similar to 形跡, but often used for physical traces like footprints or remnants. Slightly more formal or literary.
Referring to the foundation or reason for believing something, often in logical or argumentative contexts.
Means 'basis' or 'grounds'. Used when talking about the reasoning or foundation behind a claim, rather than physical proof.
その主張には根拠がない。
There is no evidence to support that claim.
科学的根拠に基づいている。
It is based on scientific evidence.
Refers to supporting evidence or corroboration. Often used in phrases like 裏付けとなる証拠 (supporting evidence).
Describing something that is clearly visible or noticeable.
Used to say that something is prominent or conspicuous, similar to 'in evidence'.
会議では緊張が目立った。
Tension was in evidence at the meeting.
Literally 'can be seen', used to indicate that something is present or observable.
最近、改善の兆しが見られる。
Recently, signs of improvement are in evidence.
While 証拠 is the most direct translation, it can sound too strong or legalistic in casual contexts. For everyday signs or indications, use 形跡 or 様子 (ようす). For logical basis, use 根拠.
証拠 refers to concrete proof (objects, data), while 根拠 refers to the logical basis or grounds for a belief. You can have 根拠 without physical 証拠.
容疑者の供述は矛盾している。
The suspect's statement is inconsistent.
犯人の痕跡は見つからなかった。
No trace of the culprit was found.
その理論を裏付ける証拠はまだない。
There is still no evidence to support that theory.