Synonym Nuance VS
How to say "Prohibition" in Japanese
Both words can translate to "prohibition", but which should you choose?
Japanese Option A
法度
はっと (hatto)
N1 / CEFR Syllabus
VS
Japanese Option B
遡及処罰の禁止
そきゅうしょばつのきんし (sokyuushobatsunokinshi)
C2 / CEFR Syllabus
Nuance Contrast & Translation Difference
When translating "prohibition" into Japanese, you must choose carefully between 法度 and 遡及処罰の禁止.
In Japanese, 法度 (はっと (hatto)) is typically associated with "prohibition, ban, taboo, forbidden act" (Syllabus Level: N1) and represents An older, more formal term for a strict prohibition or ban, often with legal or traditional backing. Commonly seen in historical contexts.
On the other hand, 遡及処罰の禁止 (そきゅうしょばつのきんし (sokyuushobatsunokinshi)) maps to "prohibition of ex post facto punishment" (Syllabus Level: C2) and represents Essential structural term in CEFR C2 vocabulary syllabus.. A literal translation of "prohibition" can often sound unnatural to native Japanese speakers if mixed up!
Bilingual Context for "法度"
城内での私闘は厳重な法度とされていた。
Private duels within the castle were strictly prohibited.
Bilingual Context for "遡及処罰の禁止"
私は遡及処罰の禁止に興味があります。
I am interested in prohibition of ex post facto punishment.
Nuance Mastery Quiz
Which Japanese word perfectly fits this blank space?
Fill in the blank: "城内での私闘は厳重な ＿＿＿ とされていた。" (Meaning: "Private duels within the castle were strictly prohibited.")
🎉 Correct Answer!
Remember: "法度" fits here because it means "prohibition, ban, taboo, forbidden act" in the context of: "Private duels within the castle were strictly prohibited.". "遡及処罰の禁止" represents "prohibition of ex post facto punishment".