Translation guide
How to express the concept of validity in Japanese, covering legal/official validity, logical soundness, and general acceptability.
私のパスポートはまだ有効ですか？
Is my passport still valid?
その議論の妥当性は疑わしい。
The validity of the argument is questionable.
The state of being legally or officially acceptable, such as a contract, passport, or ticket.
The most common word for legal or official validity. Used for documents, contracts, tickets, etc.
このパスポートは有効ですか？
Is this passport valid?
契約はまだ有効です。
The contract is still valid.
Specifically refers to the expiration date or period of validity.
このクーポンの有効期限はいつですか？
When is the expiration date of this coupon?
Refers to legal force or effect, often used in formal contexts like laws or contracts.
この法律はまだ効力を持っている。
This law is still in effect.
The quality of being logically sound, such as an argument, reasoning, or point.
Used for the validity of an argument, reasoning, or decision. Implies appropriateness and soundness.
彼の主張の妥当性を検討する必要がある。
We need to examine the validity of his claim.
Emphasizes justification or legitimacy, often used for rights, actions, or arguments.
Can be used for logical validity but more commonly refers to effectiveness. Use with caution.
Often implies practical effectiveness rather than logical soundness.
The state of being generally accepted as true or correct, such as a point, excuse, or assumption.
Works for general validity, implying something is justified or legitimate.
彼の言い訳の正当性を疑う。
I doubt the validity of his excuse.
Also used for general validity, focusing on appropriateness.
Literally 'is valid', but can sound unnatural for abstract concepts. Better for documents or tickets.
Avoid using for abstract validity like excuses or arguments; use 妥当性 or 正当性 instead.
この切符は有効である。
This ticket is valid.
有効 (yūkō) is for legal/official validity (documents, tickets). 妥当性 (datōsei) is for logical appropriateness (arguments, decisions). 正当性 (seitōsei) is for justification/legitimacy (rights, excuses).
ビザは有効です。
The visa is valid.
その提案の妥当性を評価する。
Evaluate the validity of the proposal.
彼の行動の正当性を主張する。
Assert the validity of his actions.
Using 有効 (yūkō) for the validity of an argument or excuse sounds unnatural. Use 妥当性 (datōsei) or 正当性 (seitōsei) instead.
The validity of that criticism is questionable.
この理論の有効性を証明する。
Prove the validity of this theory.
その仮定の妥当性を確認する。
Check the validity of that assumption.