Translation guide
A systematic collection of laws, often organized by subject. In Japanese, the most common equivalent is 法典 (ほうてん), but the specific term used depends on context, such as whether referring to a civil code, criminal code, or a general body of laws.
Referring to a systematic collection of laws in general, or a specific code like the Civil Code or Criminal Code.
The standard term for 'law code' or 'code of laws'. It can refer to any systematic collection of statutes, such as the Civil Code or Criminal Code.
日本の民法典は1898年に制定された。
Japan's Civil Code was enacted in 1898.
この法典には多くの改正が加えられた。
Many amendments have been made to this law code.
Literally 'collection of laws'. Used for compilations or anthologies of laws, but less formal than 法典.
この法律集には主要な法令が収録されている。
This law collection contains major statutes.
Referring to a particular code by its official name, such as the Civil Code or Criminal Code.
The Civil Code. Use this when referring specifically to the body of laws governing private rights and obligations.
民法の改正案が国会で審議されている。
The bill to amend the Civil Code is being deliberated in the Diet.
The Criminal Code or Penal Code. Use this for the body of laws defining crimes and punishments.
The Commercial Code. Refers to the body of laws governing commerce and business transactions.
The 'Six Codes', referring to the six major legal codes of Japan: Constitution, Civil Code, Criminal Code, Commercial Code, Code of Civil Procedure, and Code of Criminal Procedure. Often used in the context of legal education or reference books.
Referring to ancient or foreign law codes, such as the Code of Hammurabi or the Napoleonic Code.
Also used for historical or foreign codes, often with a modifier. For example, ハンムラビ法典 (Code of Hammurabi).
ハンムラビ法典は世界最古の法典の一つとされている。
The Code of Hammurabi is considered one of the oldest law codes in the world.
Historical Japanese legal codes based on Chinese models, such as the Taihō Code. Used in historical contexts.
法典 (ほうてん) is the formal term for a codified body of law, like a civil or criminal code. 法律集 (ほうりつしゅう) is a more general term for a collection of laws, often used for compilations or anthologies, and is less formal.
When referring to a specific code, it is more natural to use its official name (e.g., 民法 for Civil Code) rather than the generic 法典. For example, say 民法第1条 (Article 1 of the Civil Code) rather than 法典第1条.
刑法第199条は殺人罪を規定している。
Article 199 of the Penal Code stipulates the crime of murder.
商法の規定に従って会社を設立した。
We established the company in accordance with the Commercial Code.
Law students always carry the Six Codes.
大宝律令は701年に制定された。
The Taihō Code was enacted in 701.