Translation guide
The English word "security" covers a wide range of concepts, from physical safety and protection to financial guarantees and emotional reassurance. This guide breaks down the main meanings and provides natural Japanese equivalents for each.
Expressing the state of being safe from threats like crime, terrorism, or accidents.
The most common word for safety and security in the sense of being free from danger. Used for personal safety, public safety, product safety, etc.
この地域は安全です。
This area is safe (secure).
安全が第一です。
Safety (security) comes first.
Loanword from English, often used for security systems, cybersecurity, and event security. More technical or specific than 安全.
空港のセキュリティは厳しいです。
Airport security is strict.
セキュリティ対策を強化する。
Strengthen security measures.
Refers to guarding, patrolling, or security personnel. Often used for physical security at buildings or events.
警備員が入口に立っている。
A security guard is standing at the entrance.
Referring to the protection of a nation against external threats.
The standard term for national security. Often abbreviated as 安保 (あんぽ) in news.
国家安全保障会議が開かれた。
The National Security Council met.
Defense, often used in military contexts. 防衛省 is the Ministry of Defense.
Something pledged as a guarantee for a loan or obligation.
The standard term for collateral in finance. Also used metaphorically for something that ensures a promise.
家を担保にローンを組む。
Take out a loan using one's house as security.
Security deposit, often for renting an apartment.
Feeling safe, stable, and free from worry.
Peace of mind, emotional security. Often used in the phrase 安心する (to feel relieved).
それを聞いて安心した。
I felt a sense of security when I heard that.
安心できる場所。
A place where one feels secure.
Stability, often used for emotional stability or a secure job.
Having a stable job with little risk of losing it.
Literally 'stability of employment'. The standard phrase for job security.
雇用の安定が重要だ。
Job security is important.
A stable job. More colloquial.
安定した仕事に就きたい。
I want to get a job with security.
Protection of computer systems and data.
The most common term in IT contexts. Often combined with other words like 情報セキュリティ (information security).
セキュリティソフトをインストールする。
Install security software.
Government programs providing financial support.
The standard term for social security, including pensions, health insurance, etc.
社会保障制度を改革する。
Reform the social security system.
安全 (あんぜん) refers to objective safety, while 安心 (あんしん) refers to subjective peace of mind. A place can be 安全 but not 安心 if it doesn't feel safe.
統計的には安全だが、夜道は安心できない。
Statistically it's safe, but I don't feel secure walking at night.
セキュリティ is mainly used for systems, guards, and IT. For general safety, use 安全. For emotional security, use 安心. Using セキュリティ for personal feelings sounds unnatural.
防衛費を増やす。
Increase defense spending.
敷金と保証金が必要です。
A security deposit and key money are required.
精神的な安定を保つ。
Maintain emotional security.
Information security. Formal term.
情報セキュリティポリシーを策定する。
Establish an information security policy.