Translation guide
The English word 'exile' can refer to the state of being banished, a person who is banished, or the act of banishing someone. In Japanese, different words and expressions are used depending on the nuance. This guide covers the most common and natural ways to express these concepts.
Describing the condition of being forced to live outside one's native land, often for political reasons.
Refers to exile as a political refugee or defector. Often used in the context of fleeing one's country for political reasons.
彼は政治的な理由で亡命した。
He went into exile for political reasons.
亡命生活は孤独だ。
Life in exile is lonely.
Means banishment or expulsion. Can refer to the state of being exiled, often with a stronger sense of being driven out.
彼は国を追放された。
He was exiled from his country.
Specifically means deportation or exile from a country. Often used in legal contexts.
彼は国外追放の処分を受けた。
He was sentenced to exile.
Referring to someone who has been banished or is living in exile.
A person who has fled their country, a political exile or refugee.
彼は亡命者としてアメリカに住んでいる。
He lives in America as an exile.
A person who has been banished or expelled. Less common than 亡命者.
その追放者は二度と故郷に戻れなかった。
The exile could never return to his homeland.
Describing the action of forcing someone to leave their country or community.
To banish, expel, or exile someone. The most direct verb for the act of exiling.
王は反逆者を国外に追放した。
The king exiled the traitor.
To sentence someone to exile (historical/literary). Used for old forms of punishment.
彼は島流しの刑に処された。
He was sentenced to exile on an island.
When someone chooses to live away from their home country, often for personal or political reasons.
To voluntarily go into exile. Emphasizes the self-initiated nature.
彼は自ら亡命する道を選んだ。
He chose to go into exile.
Voluntary exile. Noun phrase.
彼の自主的な亡命は多くの人を驚かせた。
His voluntary exile surprised many people.
亡命 (bōmei) focuses on the state of being a refugee or defector, often with a political connotation. 追放 (tsuihō) emphasizes the act of expulsion or banishment, and can be used for non-political contexts (e.g., being expelled from a group). Use 亡命 when the person flees for safety or political reasons; use 追放 when someone is actively driven out.
There is no single Japanese verb that perfectly matches 'to exile' in all contexts. Use 追放する for the act of banishing, or 亡命させる for forcing someone into exile. Avoid direct translations like エグザイルする, which is not standard Japanese.