Translation guide
The act of stopping something from happening, especially something bad. In Japanese, the most common word is 防止 (boushi), but other words like 予防 (yobou) and 阻止 (soshi) are used depending on what is being prevented.
To express the idea of preventing accidents, crimes, problems, etc. in a broad sense.
The most general and common word for 'prevention'. Used for a wide range of things like accidents, crimes, pollution, etc. Often used in compound nouns.
事故防止に努める。
We strive to prevent accidents.
犯罪防止のための対策を講じる。
We take measures for crime prevention.
Specifically used for preventing diseases, disasters, or problems through proactive measures. Often implies medical or health-related prevention, like vaccines or checkups.
インフルエンザの予防接種を受ける。
Get a flu shot (preventive vaccination).
火災予防に努める。
We strive for fire prevention.
Means 'prevention' in the sense of stopping something from happening by force or active intervention. Often used for stopping actions, plans, or events.
テロを未然に阻止する。
Prevent terrorism before it happens.
彼の計画を阻止した。
We prevented his plan.
Deterrence; preventing something by discouraging or restraining. Often used in contexts like crime deterrence or nuclear deterrence.
犯罪抑止効果がある。
It has a crime deterrent effect.
Specifically talking about preventing illness, infection, or medical conditions.
The standard term for disease prevention. Used in medical and everyday contexts.
病気の予防には手洗いが大切です。
Hand washing is important for disease prevention.
生活習慣病の予防。
Prevention of lifestyle-related diseases.
Specifically 'infection prevention'. A common compound.
感染予防のためにマスクを着用する。
Wear a mask to prevent infection.
Stopping accidents, fires, natural disasters, etc.
General term for accident/disaster prevention.
交通事故防止キャンペーン。
Traffic accident prevention campaign.
Disaster prevention, specifically for natural disasters like earthquakes, floods, etc. Often involves preparedness.
Stopping crime, terrorism, fraud, etc.
General crime prevention.
防犯カメラは犯罪防止に役立つ。
Security cameras help prevent crime.
Crime prevention, often used in compounds like 防犯カメラ (security camera) or 防犯対策 (crime prevention measures).
防止 (boushi) is the most general 'prevention'. 予防 (yobou) is for proactive prevention, especially health-related. 阻止 (soshi) is for actively stopping something from happening, often with force or intervention.
予防 is mainly for health, disease, and disaster prevention. Using it for crime or accident prevention can sound unnatural; use 防止 instead.
防災訓練に参加する。
Participate in a disaster prevention drill.
地域の防犯活動に参加する。
Participate in local crime prevention activities.