Translation guide
The English word "sanction" has two nearly opposite meanings: (1) official approval or permission, and (2) a penalty or coercive measure. This guide separates these meanings and provides natural Japanese expressions for each.
Expressing that an authority has given formal consent or authorization.
Expressing a punitive action taken by a state or organization to enforce compliance or punish behavior.
In English, "sanction" can mean both approval and penalty. In Japanese, these are completely separate words. Using 制裁 (penalty) when you mean 認可 (approval) would cause serious confusion. Always determine the intended meaning from context before translating.
Government sanction is required.
Approval or recognition, often used in organizational or official contexts. Can imply formal acceptance of a plan, application, or status.
理事会の承認を得た。
We obtained the board's sanction.
Permission or license. More general than 認可, and can be used for everyday permissions as well as official ones.
市の許可を得て工事を始めた。
We started construction with the city's sanction.
Imperial or high-level official sanction; historically used for the emperor's approval. Rare in modern contexts.
天皇の裁可を経て法律が公布された。
The law was promulgated after imperial sanction.
The standard term for sanctions as penalties, especially economic or diplomatic sanctions between countries. Also used for disciplinary measures within organizations.
国連はその国に経済制裁を科した。
The UN imposed economic sanctions on that country.
会社は規則違反に対して制裁を加えた。
The company applied sanctions for rule violations.
Penal regulations or punitive provisions, often found in laws or contracts. Refers to the rules themselves rather than the act of imposing them.
この法律には厳しい罰則がある。
This law has strict sanctions.
Punishment or penalization, focusing on the act of punishing. Can be used in legal or disciplinary contexts.
違反者には厳しい処罰が下される。
Violators will face severe sanctions.
Retaliatory measures, often used in international relations when sanctions are a response to another country's actions.
その国は報復措置として貿易制限を行った。
The country imposed trade restrictions as a sanction.