Translation guide
The English word "piracy" covers two main areas: maritime robbery and unauthorized copying of intellectual property. In Japanese, these are expressed with completely different words. This guide helps you choose the right term based on context.
Robbery or criminal violence at sea, including historical pirates and modern hijacking.
The standard term for acts of piracy at sea. Literally 'sea bandit acts'. Used in news and legal contexts.
ソマリア沖での海賊行為が増加している。
Piracy off the coast of Somalia is increasing.
Refers to the pirates themselves, but can also be used attributively to mean 'pirate' or 'piracy' in compounds.
海賊船が商船を襲った。
A pirate ship attacked the merchant vessel.
Loanword from English, used mainly in entertainment or historical contexts, like 'Pirates of the Caribbean'.
彼はパイレーツのコスプレをしている。
He is cosplaying as a pirate.
Illegal copying, distribution, or use of software, music, movies, books, etc.
Literally 'pirate edition'. The most common term for pirated copies of media or software. Can be used as a noun or with の.
海賊版のDVDが出回っている。
Pirated DVDs are circulating.
このソフトは海賊版です。
This software is a pirated copy.
General term for illegal copying. Broader than 海賊版, includes any unauthorized duplication.
音楽の違法コピーは犯罪です。
Illegal copying of music is a crime.
Refers to counterfeit goods, including pirated physical items like fake brand products. Not limited to digital media.
市場にはコピー商品があふれている。
The market is flooded with counterfeit goods.
Unauthorized downloading or streaming of copyrighted content via the internet.
Explicitly refers to online piracy. ネット上の means 'on the internet'.
ネット上の海賊行為は深刻な問題だ。
Online piracy is a serious problem.
Specifically illegal downloading. Commonly used in news and everyday conversation.
違法ダウンロードはやめましょう。
Let's stop illegal downloading.
Pirated video copies, often referring to movies or TV shows shared online.
動画海賊版サイトが閉鎖された。
A pirated video site was shut down.
海賊 (kaizoku) means 'pirate' in the maritime sense. Using it alone for copyright piracy can cause confusion. Use 海賊版 or 違法コピー for unauthorized copies.
パイレーツ is a loanword and sounds more like a character or brand (e.g., Pittsburgh Pirates). For serious news about maritime piracy, use 海賊 or 海賊行為.
Formal legal term for copyright infringement. Used in official contexts.
著作権侵害で訴えられた。
He was sued for copyright infringement.