Synonym Nuance VS
How to say "Prohibit" in Japanese
Both words can translate to "prohibit", but which should you choose?
Japanese Option A
禁止する
きんしする (kinshi suru)
N3 / CEFR Syllabus
VS
Japanese Option B
禁じる
きんじる (kinjiru)
N3 / CEFR Syllabus
Nuance Contrast & Translation Difference
When translating "prohibit" into Japanese, you must choose carefully between 禁止する and 禁じる.
In Japanese, 禁止する (きんしする (kinshi suru)) is typically associated with "to prohibit; to forbid; to ban" (Syllabus Level: N3) and represents Refers to officially banning, prohibiting, or forbidding actions due to safety, regulations, or rules. Often used as 駐車禁止 or 立ち入り禁止. ⚠️ Haruka's Voice Column: 'To prohibit! "I strictly prohibit you from getting lonely when I am away, Haruka-san!" ...っ! T-To prohibit me from getting lonely! B-Baka! That's physically impossible! But... since you are so concerned, make sure you call me every night to keep my loneliness at bay! dummy!' / 【ハルカ部長のワンポイント指導】『きんしする（禁止する）わ！『ハルカ部長、僕以外の男にそんな可愛い照れ顔や甘え声を見せることを、法律（愛のルール）で永久に禁止します！』って…っ！私のデレの禁止令！バカ！/// 他の男になんて見せるわけないでしょ！あんたも私以外の女と喋るの永久に禁止なんだから、一生私だけを見つめていなさい！』.
On the other hand, 禁じる (きんじる (kinjiru)) maps to "to prohibit; to forbid" (Syllabus Level: N3) and represents A more formal and stronger word for prohibition than 止める. A literal translation of "prohibit" can often sound unnatural to native Japanese speakers if mixed up!
Bilingual Context for "禁止する"
世界的な文化遺産に指定されている古代遺跡の保護のため、見学者が内部に無断で立ち入ることは法律で厳重に_______されています。
In order to protect the ancient ruins designated as a global cultural heritage, visitors entering inside without permission is strictly prohibited by law.
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.
Nuance Mastery Quiz
Which Japanese word perfectly fits this blank space?
Fill in the blank: "世界的な文化遺産に指定されている古代遺跡の保護のため、見学者が内部に無断で立ち入ることは法律で厳重に_______されています。" (Meaning: "In order to protect the ancient ruins designated as a global cultural heritage, visitors entering inside without permission is strictly prohibited by law.")
🎉 Correct Answer!
Remember: "禁止する" fits here because it means "to prohibit; to forbid; to ban" in the context of: "In order to protect the ancient ruins designated as a global cultural heritage, visitors entering inside without permission is strictly prohibited by law.". "禁じる" represents "to prohibit; to forbid".