Translation guide
The English word 'sentence' can refer to a grammatical unit, a legal punishment, or a phrase in context. This guide helps learners express these meanings naturally in Japanese.
A set of words that is complete in itself, typically containing a subject and predicate, conveying a statement, question, exclamation, or command.
The punishment assigned to a defendant found guilty in a court of law.
A short group of words that expresses a particular idea, often used in language learning.
Can also be used for a phrase or expression, especially in grammar contexts.
文 (ぶん) is a single sentence, while 文章 (ぶんしょう) refers to a passage, text, or writing as a whole. Use 文 for individual sentences and 文章 for longer compositions.
この文は正しいですか？
Is this sentence correct?
この文章を要約してください。
Please summarize this passage.
While 終身刑 (しゅうしんけい) is correct, the literal translation 人生の文 is nonsense. Always use the legal term.
趣味について三つの文を書いてください。
Write three sentences about your hobby.
裁判官は彼に軽い判決を下した。
The judge gave him a light sentence.
次の文を読んでください。
Please read the next sentence.
Refers to sentences in the context of a larger piece of writing, or to writing style. Often used for 'text' or 'passage'.
この文章の意味がわかりません。
I don't understand the meaning of this sentence/passage.
Loanword from English, used mainly in linguistic or educational contexts. Less common than 文.
英語のセンテンスを日本語に訳してください。
Please translate the English sentence into Japanese.
Refers to the court's decision or judgment, including the sentence. Commonly used in legal contexts.
裁判官は彼に懲役10年の判決を下した。
The judge handed down a sentence of 10 years in prison.
Means 'punishment' or 'penalty'. Often used in compounds like 懲役刑 (prison sentence) or 死刑 (death sentence).
彼は終身刑を受けた。
He received a life sentence.
A more formal term for penalty or punishment, including sentences. Used in legal documents.
その犯罪に対する刑罰は重い。
The sentence for that crime is severe.
この文を覚えてください。
Please memorize this sentence/phrase.
Loanword from English 'phrase'. Commonly used in casual and educational settings.
便利なフレーズを教えてください。
Please teach me some useful phrases.
Refers to a turn of phrase or way of saying something. More about expression style.
その言い回しは自然じゃない。
That phrase/sentence isn't natural.