Synonym Nuance VS
How to say "Prohibit" in Japanese
Both words can translate to "prohibit", but which should you choose?
Japanese Option A
禁じる
きんじる (kinjiru)
N3 / CEFR Syllabus
VS
Japanese Option B
差し止める
さしとめる (sashitomeru)
N2 / CEFR Syllabus
Nuance Contrast & Translation Difference
When translating "prohibit" into Japanese, you must choose carefully between 禁じる and 差し止める.
In Japanese, 禁じる (きんじる (kinjiru)) is typically associated with "to prohibit; to forbid" (Syllabus Level: N3) and represents A more formal and stronger word for prohibition than 止める.
On the other hand, 差し止める (さしとめる (sashitomeru)) maps to "to prohibit, to forbid, to suspend, to enjoin" (Syllabus Level: N2) and represents A formal term meaning to legally or officially stop or prevent an action, activity, or event. Often used in contexts of law, regulations, or official commands. 例: 建設工事を差し止める. A literal translation of "prohibit" can often sound unnatural to native Japanese speakers if mixed up!
Bilingual Context for "禁じる"
ここでの喫煙は固く禁じられています。
Smoking is strictly forbidden here.
Bilingual Context for "差し止める"
裁判所はその工事の続行を差し止めた。
The court prohibited the continuation of that construction.
Nuance Mastery Quiz
Which Japanese word perfectly fits this blank space?
Fill in the blank: "ここでの喫煙は固く禁じられています。" (Meaning: "Smoking is strictly forbidden here.")
🎉 Correct Answer!
Remember: "禁じる" fits here because it means "to prohibit; to forbid" in the context of: "Smoking is strictly forbidden here.". "差し止める" represents "to prohibit, to forbid, to suspend, to enjoin".