Translation guide
In Japanese, the concept of 'life imprisonment' is expressed through specific legal terms, with important distinctions between life with the possibility of parole and life without parole. The most common term is 無期懲役, but its practical meaning differs from Western expectations.
The standard term for a life sentence in Japan, where parole is theoretically possible after a certain period.
The standard legal term for life imprisonment with the possibility of parole. In practice, parole is rarely granted and often requires serving at least 10-30 years.
彼は殺人罪で無期懲役の判決を受けた。
He was sentenced to life imprisonment for murder.
Literally 'life sentence', but in Japan this term is sometimes used interchangeably with 無期懲役, though it can also refer to life without parole in other contexts. Less common in legal documents.
終身刑は日本では事実上、仮釈放の可能性がある。
In Japan, a life sentence effectively has the possibility of parole.
A sentence where the convicted person will never be released. This is a relatively new concept in Japanese law.
Used to specify a life sentence without the possibility of parole, often in discussions about legal reforms.
一部の犯罪では、無期懲役・仮釈放なしの導入が検討されている。
For some crimes, the introduction of life imprisonment without parole is being considered.
Alternative phrasing for life without parole, using 終身刑.
終身刑・仮釈放なしは、死刑に代わる刑罰として提案された。
Life imprisonment without parole was proposed as an alternative to the death penalty.
Informal or figurative use of 'life imprisonment' in everyday language.
Colloquial way to say 'to go to prison for life'. Not a legal term.
あんなことをしたら、一生刑務所に入ることになるよ。
If you do something like that, you'll end up in prison for life.
Used in everyday speech to mean 'to get a life sentence', though legally imprecise.
彼は終身刑になるかもしれない。
He might get a life sentence.
In Japan, 無期懲役 does not mean 'life without parole' by default. Parole is possible but rare. If you need to emphasize no possibility of release, explicitly add 仮釈放なし (no parole).
無期懲役 is the standard legal term for life imprisonment with labor and possible parole. 終身刑 is sometimes used synonymously but can also imply life without parole in comparative contexts. In legal texts, 無期懲役 is preferred.