Translation guide
The English word "violation" covers a wide range of meanings, from breaking rules and laws to infringing on rights and desecrating sacred things. This guide organizes the most common and useful Japanese expressions by these distinct meanings.
To express the act of breaking a rule, law, regulation, or agreement.
The most common and general word for violation of rules, laws, or agreements. Used in legal, formal, and everyday contexts.
交通違反で罰金を払った。
I paid a fine for a traffic violation.
契約違反で訴えられた。
They were sued for breach of contract.
Used for violation of rights, privacy, or intellectual property. Emphasizes infringement or encroachment.
著作権の侵害で警告を受けた。
We received a warning for copyright violation.
プライバシーの侵害は許されない。
Violation of privacy is unacceptable.
Formal term for being in violation of or conflicting with a law or regulation. Often used in legal or bureaucratic contexts.
その行為は法律に抵触する可能性がある。
That act may be in violation of the law.
To express the violation of something sacred, holy, or highly respected, such as a grave, temple, or memory.
Refers to blasphemy or desecration of sacred things. Strongly negative and often used in religious or moral contexts.
神への冒涜とみなされた。
It was considered a violation against God.
墓地の冒涜は重罪だ。
Desecration of a cemetery is a serious crime.
Can also be used for violation of sanctity or sacred spaces, though less emotionally charged than 冒涜.
To express sexual violation, including rape or sexual assault.
The standard term for sexual assault or violation. Used in legal and news contexts.
性的暴行の被害者が支援を求めた。
The victim of sexual violation sought help.
Specifically means rape. A strong legal term, often used in crime reports.
Literary or dramatic term for violation or dishonor, often with sexual connotations. Used in historical or fictional contexts.
違反 is for breaking rules/laws; 侵害 is for infringing on rights or territory; 冒涜 is for desecrating sacred things. Choose based on what is being violated.
In casual conversation, Japanese speakers often use more specific verbs like 破る (to break) or 守らない (to not follow) instead of the noun 'violation'. For example, 'He violated the rules' is more naturally '彼はルールを破った' than '彼は違反をした'.
これは明らかな契約違反です。
This is a clear violation of the agreement.
その会社は環境違反で罰金を科された。
The company was fined for environmental violations.
規則に違反した場合は失格となります。
Any violation of the rules will result in disqualification.
聖域の侵害は許されない。
Violation of the sanctuary is unforgivable.
強姦罪で起訴された。
He was indicted for rape.
彼女は陵辱の屈辱に耐えた。
She endured the humiliation of violation.