Translation guide
The quality of being in accordance with the law. In Japanese, this concept is expressed through nouns, adjectives, and set phrases that emphasize legality, legitimacy, or conformity to legal standards.
Describing something as lawful, legal, or in accordance with the law in a general sense.
The most common and direct term for 'legal' or 'lawful'. Used as a noun or na-adjective. Often appears in compounds like 合法的 (legal) or 非合法 (illegal).
その行為は合法です。
That act is lawful.
合法的な手段で解決する。
Resolve it through lawful means.
More formal and technical term for 'lawful' or 'legal', often used in legal contexts. Implies strict conformity to the law.
適法な手続きを踏む。
Follow lawful procedures.
A phrase meaning 'in accordance with the law' or 'lawful'. It is slightly more descriptive and can be used in both spoken and written Japanese.
法にかなった行為。
A lawful act.
Means 'in compliance with the law' or 'lawful'. Often used in formal or legal documents.
法律に則った判断。
A lawful judgment.
Emphasizing moral or ethical rightness under the law, not just technical legality.
Means 'just', 'legitimate', or 'rightful'. It carries a nuance of moral correctness in addition to lawfulness. Often used in phrases like 正当な理由 (justifiable reason).
正当な権利を主張する。
Assert one's lawful rights.
彼の行動は正当だった。
His actions were lawful/justified.
Primarily means 'justice', but can imply lawfulness in a broader moral sense. Used in contexts like social justice or righteous conduct.
Referring to the abstract concept of lawfulness itself.
The noun form meaning 'legality' or 'lawfulness'. Used when discussing the quality of being lawful.
この契約の合法性を確認する。
Verify the lawfulness of this contract.
A more formal term for 'lawfulness' or 'legality', often used in legal or academic writing.
Describing compliance with particular legal standards or rules.
Pattern meaning 'in accordance with the ~ law'. Replace 〜 with the specific law name.
労働法に従って行動する。
Act in accordance with labor law.
Pattern meaning 'based on the ~ law'. Similar to に従って but emphasizes the law as the foundation.
憲法に基づいて判断する。
Judge based on the constitution.
合法 (gōhō) is the general term for 'legal' and is used in everyday language. 適法 (tekihō) is more technical and formal, often appearing in legal documents or discussions about strict compliance. For most situations, 合法 is sufficient.
The English noun 'lawfulness' is often best translated as 合法性 (gōhōsei) or 適法性 (tekihōsei) when referring to the abstract quality. However, in many contexts, it is more natural to use an adjective like 合法な or a phrase like 法にかなった instead of a direct noun.
Fight for justice/lawfulness.
The lawfulness of the act is questioned.