Translation guide
The English word 'exempt' means to be free from an obligation, duty, rule, or requirement that others are subject to. In Japanese, this concept is expressed through various verbs, adjectives, and set phrases depending on whether you are talking about being exempt from taxes, duties, rules, or responsibilities. The most common and versatile expression is 免除される (menjo sareru), which is the passive form of 'to exempt.'
Expressing that someone or something is not required to follow a rule, pay a fee, or fulfill an obligation.
This is the most common and versatile way to say 'to be exempt.' It is the passive form of 免除する (to exempt). It can be used for taxes, fees, duties, responsibilities, etc.
彼は税金を免除された。
He was exempted from taxes.
この授業は必修ではないので、免除されることも可能です。
This class is not required, so it is possible to be exempted.
A verb meaning 'to escape' or 'to be spared from' something undesirable, such as a duty, punishment, or disaster. It implies avoiding something negative.
彼は責任を免れた。
He escaped responsibility.
幸いにも、彼は罰を免れた。
Fortunately, he was exempt from punishment.
A noun meaning 'out of scope' or 'not applicable.' Often used in rules or systems to indicate that something is exempt because it doesn't fall under the category.
この商品は消費税の対象外です。
This product is exempt from consumption tax.
A formal term meaning 'exclusion from application,' used in legal or official contexts to indicate that a rule or law does not apply.
この法律の適用除外となるケースもあります。
There are cases that are exempt from the application of this law.
Talking about not having to pay a particular tax or fee.
A noun meaning 'tax-free' or 'non-taxable.' Used for items or income that are exempt from taxation.
この収入は非課税です。
This income is tax-exempt.
非課税品目を確認してください。
Please check the tax-exempt items.
A noun meaning 'tax exemption' or 'duty-free.' Often used for shopping or customs.
Expressing that someone is freed from a task, role, or obligation.
As above, this is the standard way to say 'to be exempted' from a duty.
彼は兵役を免除された。
He was exempted from military service.
Literally 'to escape an obligation.' Used when someone avoids a duty, sometimes with a nuance of shirking.
彼はなんとかその義務を免れた。
He somehow got out of that obligation.
Used in official documents or formal announcements to state that a rule does not apply.
A formal passive phrase meaning 'to be excluded from application.' Used in legal or bureaucratic contexts.
この条項は適用を除外される場合がある。
This clause may be exempt from application.
免除 (menjo) is a general term for exemption from any obligation. 非課税 (hikazei) means 'non-taxable' and is used for items or income that are inherently not subject to tax. 免税 (menzei) means 'tax exemption' and often implies that tax was originally applicable but has been waived, such as in duty-free shopping.
English often uses 'exempt' as an adjective (e.g., 'He is exempt from the exam'). In Japanese, it is more natural to use a verb phrase like 免除される (be exempted) or a noun phrase like 対象外 (out of scope). Avoid directly translating 'exempt' as a single adjective.
免税店で買い物をしました。
I shopped at a duty-free store.
この品物は免税になります。
This item is tax-exempt.