🦅 Project Eagle
Synonym Nuance VS

How to say "Prohibition" in Japanese

Both words can translate to "prohibition", but which should you choose?

Japanese Option A

禁止

きんし (kinshi)
N4 / CEFR Syllabus
VS
Japanese Option B

法度

はっと (hatto)
N1 / CEFR Syllabus

Nuance Contrast & Translation Difference

When translating "prohibition" into Japanese, you must choose carefully between 禁止 and 法度. In Japanese, 禁止 (きんし (kinshi)) is typically associated with "prohibition, ban" (Syllabus Level: N4) and represents Often seen on signs. On the other hand, 法度 (はっと (hatto)) maps to "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. A literal translation of "prohibition" can often sound unnatural to native Japanese speakers if mixed up!
Bilingual Context for "禁止"
この場所では写真撮影が禁止されています。
Taking photos is prohibited in this place.
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.

Nuance Mastery Quiz

Which Japanese word perfectly fits this blank space?

Fill in the blank: "この場所では写真撮影が ___ されています。" (Meaning: "Taking photos is prohibited in this place.")
🎉 Correct Answer!

Remember: "禁止" fits here because it means "prohibition, ban" in the context of: "Taking photos is prohibited in this place.". "法度" represents "prohibition, ban, taboo, forbidden act".