Translation guide
The act of entering or residing in a country without legal permission. In Japanese, this is typically expressed with set phrases rather than a single word. The most common term is 不法入国 (illegal entry), but other expressions cover illegal stay, smuggling, and related concepts.
Describing the act of crossing a border without authorization.
The standard term for illegal entry. Often used in news and legal contexts.
不法入国者が増えている。
The number of illegal immigrants is increasing.
Implies sneaking in secretly, often by boat or hidden in vehicles. More dramatic than 不法入国.
彼らは船で密入国した。
They entered the country illegally by boat.
Describing remaining in a country after legal permission has expired.
The standard term for illegal stay or overstay. Often used in official contexts.
不法滞在で逮捕された。
He was arrested for illegal stay.
Referring to a person who has entered or is staying illegally.
Standard term for an illegal entrant. Neutral in tone.
不法入国者は強制送還される。
Illegal immigrants are deported.
Standard term for an illegal overstayer.
不法滞在者が自首した。
The illegal overstayer turned himself in.
Person who entered secretly. Often used in news about smuggling.
密入国者がコンテナに隠れていた。
The stowaway was hiding in a container.
Describing the organized movement of people across borders illegally.
Refers to arranging or facilitating illegal entry. Often used in legal contexts.
密入国斡旋の容疑で逮捕された。
He was arrested on suspicion of smuggling people into the country.
Human trafficking, which may involve illegal immigration but focuses on exploitation.
人身売買は重大な犯罪だ。
Human trafficking is a serious crime.
不法入国 is the general, legal term for illegal entry. 密入国 emphasizes secrecy and is often used for dramatic cases like stowing away on ships. In formal writing, 不法入国 is preferred.
不法入国は法律違反です。
Illegal entry is a violation of the law.
密入国を試みる者が後を絶たない。
There is no end to those attempting to sneak into the country.
The English phrase 'illegal immigration' does not have a single direct equivalent in Japanese. Instead, use specific terms like 不法入国 (illegal entry) or 不法滞在 (illegal stay) depending on the context. Using 不法移民 (ふほういみん) is possible but less common and may sound like a direct translation.
彼女はビザをオーバーステイして不法滞在者になった。
She overstayed her visa and became an illegal immigrant.
Distinguishes between overstay and illegal entry.
Loanword from English 'overstay'. Common in everyday conversation.
ビザをオーバーステイしてはいけない。
You must not overstay your visa.