Translation guide
The English word 'protest' covers expressing disagreement, formal objections, and organized demonstrations. Japanese uses different words depending on whether you are voicing a complaint, making a formal objection, or participating in a public demonstration.
To say that you disagree with something or complain about it, often in everyday situations.
The most direct equivalent for 'protest' as a verb. It means to formally or strongly object to something. Can be used in both spoken and written contexts.
彼はその決定に抗議した。
He protested the decision.
Residents are protesting the construction of a new factory.
Literally 'to raise an objection.' Used when formally objecting to a statement, ruling, or proposal. Common in legal, business, or formal settings.
弁護士は判決に異議を唱えた。
The lawyer protested the ruling.
Means 'to complain.' More casual than 抗議する. Often used for personal grievances rather than formal protests.
彼はいつも給料に文句を言っている。
He's always protesting about his salary.
Means 'to oppose.' While not a direct translation of 'protest,' it is often used when expressing opposition to a plan or idea.
私はその計画に反対です。
I protest against the plan.
To take part in a public gathering or march to express strong objection to something, often political or social.
Refers to protest activities or actions. Often used in news reports.
市内で大規模な抗議活動が行われた。
A large-scale protest was held in the city.
Short for デモンストレーション (demonstration). The most common word for a protest march or rally.
学生たちが戦争反対のデモを行った。
Students staged a protest against the war.
A protest rally or gathering. More formal than デモ.
公園で抗議集会が開かれた。
A protest rally was held in the park.
Combines 抗議 (protest) and デモ (demonstration). Emphasizes the protest nature of the demonstration.
To make an official or formal protest, such as in diplomacy, law, or business.
A written protest or letter of objection. Used in formal contexts.
政府は抗議文を提出した。
The government submitted a letter of protest.
A protest statement, often issued by organizations or governments.
外務省は抗議声明を発表した。
The Foreign Ministry issued a protest statement.
To protest formally. A set phrase for lodging an official complaint.
我々はこの件について正式に抗議する。
We formally protest this matter.
To declare strongly that one is not guilty or has not done something wrong.
Literally 'to assert one's innocence.' The natural way to express 'protest one's innocence' in Japanese.
彼は無実を主張し続けた。
He continued to protest his innocence.
Similar to 無実を主張する, but 潔白 emphasizes moral purity or integrity.
被告は潔白を主張した。
The defendant protested his innocence.
The English noun 'protest' is often translated as 抗議 (こうぎ), but in many contexts, a more specific word like デモ or 抗議活動 is more natural. Using 抗議 alone can sound vague or overly formal.
昨日、駅前でデモがあった。
There was a protest in front of the station yesterday.
抗議する is for formal objections, while 文句を言う is for everyday complaints. Using 抗議する for a minor personal grievance can sound overly dramatic.
料理が遅いと文句を言った。
He protested that the food was taking too long.
デモ隊が通りを行進した。
The protesters marched through the streets.
抗議デモが平和的に行われた。
The protest demonstration was held peacefully.