Translation guide
The English word "implication" covers several distinct ideas: a logical consequence, a suggested meaning, an indirect hint, and involvement in something. This guide helps you choose the right Japanese expression for each nuance.
Expressing that something is implied as a logical or inevitable result of a statement, fact, or situation.
Formal term for logical implication or connotation. Common in academic or analytical contexts.
この発言の含意を考えてみよう。
Let's consider the implication of this statement.
Used to draw a logical conclusion: "if that is the case, then..."
彼が来ないということであれば、会議は延期だ。
If he's not coming, the implication is that the meeting will be postponed.
Means "in other words" or "that is to say". Used to clarify the implication of a previous statement.
彼は忙しいと言った。つまり、手伝えないということだ。
He said he's busy. The implication is that he can't help.
Expressing that something is suggested without being directly stated, often with a negative or critical nuance.
A hint or suggestion, often indirect. Can be used for both positive and negative implications.
彼の言葉には暗に批判の暗示があった。
His words carried an implication of criticism.
An indirect hint or insinuation, often used when someone implies something without saying it outright.
彼女は辞職のほのめかしをした。
She made an implication about resigning.
Literally "to mean indirectly". Used to explain what someone is implying.
彼は暗に私が嘘をついていると意味した。
He implied that I was lying.
The meaning between the lines; an implication not explicitly stated. Somewhat literary.
彼の言外の意味を読み取るのは難しかった。
It was hard to grasp the implication behind his words.
Expressing that someone is implicated in a crime, scandal, or undesirable situation.
Involvement or participation, often used in legal or formal contexts. Can be neutral or negative.
彼の事件への関与が疑われている。
His implication in the case is suspected.
To involve or drag someone into something. Often used when someone is unwillingly implicated.
To be connected or involved. A general way to say someone is implicated.
彼はその不正に深く関係している。
He is deeply implicated in the fraud.
Expressing the potential effects or significance of an action or decision.
Influence or effect. Commonly used to discuss the implications of something.
この政策の経済への影響は大きい。
The implications of this policy for the economy are significant.
Nuance or implication; the broader significance of something. Often used in discussions of social or political implications.
What is implied or entailed; the implications. Formal and somewhat stiff.
この決定の含むところは重大だ。
The implications of this decision are serious.
含意 (gan'i) is a formal, logical implication or connotation. 暗示 (anji) is a hint or suggestion, often indirect. ほのめかし (honomekashi) is an insinuation or veiled hint, often with a negative nuance.
English 'implication' covers many concepts. Using a single Japanese word like 含意 in all contexts will sound unnatural. Choose the expression that matches the specific meaning you intend.
He was implicated in the scandal.
その発言の政治的な意味合いを考える必要がある。
We need to consider the political implications of that statement.