Translation guide
The English word 'wiretap' can refer to the act of secretly intercepting communications (especially phone lines) or the device used to do so. In Japanese, different words and phrases are used depending on whether you mean the act of wiretapping, the device, or related concepts like surveillance. This guide covers the most common and natural ways to express these ideas.
To express the action of secretly listening to or recording phone calls or other communications.
The most direct and common verb meaning 'to wiretap' or 'to eavesdrop' on phone calls or conversations using electronic means. It is a neutral term used in news, legal contexts, and everyday speech.
警察は容疑者の電話を盗聴していた。
The police were wiretapping the suspect's phone.
He realized his room was being wiretapped.
Means 'to intercept' communications, often used in technical, military, or legal contexts. It can refer to radio, phone, or data interception. Slightly more formal than 盗聴する.
諜報機関が敵の通信を傍受した。
The intelligence agency intercepted the enemy's communications.
Literally 'to listen stealthily', this is a more general term for eavesdropping, not necessarily electronic. It can be used for wiretapping but is less specific and more colloquial.
彼はドアの外で会話を盗み聞きした。
He eavesdropped on the conversation from outside the door.
To refer to the physical device used to tap a phone line or listen in on conversations.
The standard word for a listening device or bug used for wiretapping. It specifically refers to electronic surveillance devices.
部屋に盗聴器が仕掛けられていた。
A listening device had been planted in the room.
盗聴器を発見した。
I found a bug.
A more formal or technical term for 'wiretapping device' or 'surveillance equipment'. Often used in official reports or technical descriptions.
高度な盗聴装置が使用されていた。
Sophisticated wiretapping equipment was used.
Loanword from English 'bug', used in spy or tech contexts. Understandable but less common than 盗聴器 in general conversation.
スパイが電話にバグを仕掛けた。
The spy planted a bug in the phone.
To refer to wiretapping conducted by law enforcement with a warrant.
The legal term for 'communication interception', used in laws and official documents regarding authorized wiretapping by police or intelligence agencies.
裁判所は通信傍受の令状を発行した。
The court issued a warrant for wiretapping.
Short for 'wiretapping law', referring to the legal framework that allows wiretapping under certain conditions. Often used in news and discussions about privacy.
盗聴法の改正が議論されている。
Amendments to the wiretapping law are being debated.
To refer to the act of wiretapping as a noun, e.g., 'a wiretap' or 'the wiretap'.
The noun form meaning 'wiretapping' or 'eavesdropping'. Can be used in compounds or as a standalone noun.
その盗聴は違法だった。
The wiretap was illegal.
盗聴が発覚した。
The wiretapping was uncovered.
Noun meaning 'interception', used similarly to 盗聴 but with a more technical or military nuance.
盗聴 (touchou) implies secret, often illegal eavesdropping, while 傍受 (bouju) is a neutral term for interception, often used in technical or legal contexts. Use 盗聴 for everyday wiretapping and 傍受 for official or technical interception.
彼の電話は盗聴されていた。
His phone was being tapped (illegally).
衛星通信が傍受された。
Satellite communications were intercepted.
There is no single Japanese verb that directly translates 'to wiretap' in all contexts. Use 盗聴する for the act of tapping phones or bugging rooms. Do not attempt to combine ワイヤー (wire) and タップ (tap) as it will not be understood.
警察が電話を盗聴した。
The police wiretapped the phone.
Interception of communications is regulated by international law.