Translation guide
The concept of law and order refers to a state of society where laws are respected and enforced, resulting in public safety and minimal crime. In Japanese, this is often expressed through set phrases or descriptive terms rather than a single direct equivalent.
To refer to the overall state of societal order maintained by law enforcement and legal systems.
The most direct translation, used in formal or academic contexts. It literally means 'law and order'.
法と秩序を維持することは政府の重要な役割だ。
Maintaining law and order is an important role of the government.
Refers to public peace, safety, and order. Commonly used in news and everyday contexts.
この地域は治安が良い。
This area has good law and order.
治安の悪化が懸念されている。
There are concerns about the deterioration of law and order.
Legal order; emphasizes the system of laws and their enforcement. More formal and legalistic.
法秩序を守ることは市民の義務だ。
Upholding law and order is a citizen's duty.
To express a political emphasis on strict law enforcement and crime reduction.
Strengthening public safety; often used in political platforms.
彼は治安強化を公約に掲げた。
He campaigned on a platform of law and order.
Restoration of law and order; used when order has broken down.
政府は法と秩序の回復を最優先課題とした。
The government made restoring law and order its top priority.
To refer to law enforcement in a casual or slang manner.
A friendly, colloquial term for a police officer. Not a direct translation of 'law and order' but used when referring to the presence of police.
お巡りさんが来たから、もう大丈夫だ。
The cops are here, so it's okay now.
治安 (chian) is the most common and natural way to talk about public safety and order in everyday Japanese. 法と秩序 (hō to chitsujo) is a direct translation of 'law and order' but sounds more formal and is often used in political or academic contexts. For general statements about safety, 治安 is preferred.
Directly saying 'law and order' as 法と秩序 in casual conversation can sound stiff or overly formal. Use 治安 or rephrase the sentence to describe safety or police presence instead.
政府は治安の回復を約束した。
The government promised to restore law and order.
災害後、治安が悪化した。
Law and order broke down after the disaster.