Translation guide
The English word 'illicit' refers to something that is illegal, forbidden, or not permitted by law, rules, or social norms. In Japanese, the translation depends on the context: whether it's about illegal activities, secret relationships, or unauthorized actions. Common translations include 違法 (illegal), 不正 (unjust/improper), and 密 (secret/smuggling).
Describing actions, goods, or activities that are prohibited by law.
The most direct and common translation for 'illicit' when referring to something illegal. Used in formal and legal contexts.
違法な薬物の使用は厳しく罰せられます。
The use of illicit drugs is severely punished.
彼は違法行為で逮捕された。
He was arrested for illicit activities.
Similar to 違法, but often implies 'unlawful' or 'illegitimate'. Commonly used in compounds like 不法入国 (illegal entry).
不法滞在者は国外退去になります。
Illicit residents will be deported.
Means 'unjust', 'improper', or 'fraudulent'. Often used for illicit financial activities, cheating, or corruption.
不正な取引が発覚した。
Illicit transactions were uncovered.
Describing relationships, meetings, or activities kept secret because they are socially unacceptable or forbidden.
Means 'secret' or 'surreptitious'. Often used for illicit love affairs or hidden actions.
二人は密かに会っていた。
They were having an illicit meeting.
Means 'secret' or 'confidential'. More casual than 密か, often used in everyday speech for things kept from others.
Specifically means 'adultery' or 'extramarital affair'. Used for illicit sexual relationships.
Describing actions that are done without permission, often breaking rules or protocols.
Means 'without permission' or 'unauthorized'. Used for illicit operations or activities lacking official approval.
無許可で営業していた店が摘発された。
The shop operating illicitly without a license was raided.
Means 'illegal' or 'unlawful', but often used for things that are not explicitly illegal but against regulations or norms.
Referring to goods that are illegally imported, exported, or traded.
Means 'smuggling'. Used as a noun or with の to describe illicit goods.
密輸品が税関で押収された。
Illicit goods were seized at customs.
Means 'contraband' or 'prohibited goods'. Often used in legal contexts.
違法 (ihō) is the most general term for 'illegal'. 不法 (fuhō) often implies 'unlawful' and is used in fixed compounds like 不法侵入 (trespassing). 不正 (fusei) leans toward 'unjust' or 'fraudulent', common in financial or ethical contexts.
The katakana word イリシット is not commonly used in Japanese. Stick to the native terms above.
Their illicit relationship was exposed.
They divorced because of an illicit affair.
非合法な手段で情報を入手した。
They obtained information through illicit means.
Dealing in illicit goods is a serious crime.