Translation guide
The concept of 'public domain' refers to creative works not protected by copyright and free for anyone to use. In Japanese, this is expressed through specific legal terms, descriptive phrases, or explanations depending on context.
To refer to works that are not protected by copyright and can be freely used by anyone.
The direct loanword from English, commonly used in legal, academic, and creative contexts. Widely understood.
この作品はパブリックドメインです。
This work is in the public domain.
A descriptive phrase meaning 'a work whose copyright protection period has expired.' Used in formal or explanatory contexts.
著作権の保護期間が満了した作品は自由に使えます。
Works whose copyright protection period has expired can be used freely.
A legal term meaning 'public ownership,' sometimes used in the context of intellectual property. Less common in everyday language.
その発明は公有になっている。
That invention is in the public domain.
To describe something that is available for anyone to use without restrictions, not necessarily in a strict legal sense.
A natural phrase meaning 'can be used freely.' Suitable for everyday conversation when explaining that something is not restricted.
この画像は自由に使えます。
This image is free to use.
Means 'anyone can use it.' Emphasizes the lack of restrictions on who can use the work.
このデータは誰でも利用できます。
This data is available for anyone to use.
To refer to land or property owned by the government and accessible to the public.
Specifically means 'public land' owned by the state or municipality. Used in legal and administrative contexts.
この公園は公有地です。
This park is public land.
A more general term for 'public land,' often used in everyday language.
ここは公共の土地だから、誰でも入れます。
This is public land, so anyone can enter.
The English phrase 'public domain' is often directly borrowed as パブリックドメイン, but in some contexts, a more descriptive Japanese phrase is clearer. For example, when talking about land, use 公有地 or 公共の土地 instead of パブリックドメイン.
この土地はパブリックドメインです。
This land is in the public domain. (Unnatural)