弁護士
bengoshi[bẽ̞ŋɡo̞ɕi]
The Japanese word for lawyer is 弁護士 (bengoshi). Wiktionary also lists 法曹 (hōsō).
Meaning: professional person qualified (as by a law degree or bar exam) and authorized to practice law as an attorney-at-law, solicitor, advocate, barrister or equivalent, i.e. represent parties in lawsuits or trials and give legal advice (noun)
Ways to say it
| Japanese | Romanization (Wiktionary) | IPA |
|---|---|---|
| 弁護士 | bengoshi | [bẽ̞ŋɡo̞ɕi] (narrow) |
| 法曹 | hōsō | [ho̞ːso̞ː] (narrow) |
弁護士 refers to a professional person qualified (as by a law degree or bar exam) and authorized to practice law as an attorney-at-law, solicitor, advocate, barrister or equivalent, i.e. represent parties in lawsuits or trials and give legal advice (noun).
Which one should you use?
While 弁護士 refers specifically to a lawyer, 法曹 is a broader term referring to the legal profession as a whole, including judges and prosecutors.
How do you pronounce it?
bengoshi
Did you know?
- In Japan, judges, prosecutors and 弁護士 are collectively known as the 法曹三者, or the 'three legal professionals'.
- The character 弁 in 弁護士 can also mean 'to speak' or 'to explain', emphasizing that the lawyer's primary tool is verbal advocacy.
- Historically, the concept of a professional lawyer in Japan was heavily influenced by Western legal systems during the Meiji era, which is why the modern terminology feels more structured than older terms.
Examples in context
- 母は弁護士です。My mother is a lawyer.This sentence uses 弁護士 to state someone's profession.Tatoeba #3050886 by tommy_san, translation #1771641 by Zaphod
- トムの兄は弁護士だ。Tom's brother is a lawyer.This sentence uses 弁護士 to identify a relative's profession.Tatoeba #7477528 by Ninja, translation #7476905 by CK
- 弁護士になりたいな。I want to become a lawyer.This sentence uses 弁護士 to express a career aspiration.Tatoeba #10455526 by small_snow, translation #8681430 by shekitten
- 弁護士に相談した方がいいです。It's better to consult a lawyer.
- 彼は優れた法律家です。He is an excellent lawyer.
- 弁護士さんにアドバイスをしてもらった。I received advice from a lawyer.
- 75 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Daito and Misaki are talking about their career paths.
- 大翔 Hiroto将来は、弁護士になりたいと思っています。Shourai wa, bengoshi ni naritai to omotte imasu.I want to become a lawyer in the future.
- 美咲 Misakiかっこいいですね！大変そうだけど。Kakkoii desu ne! Taihen sou dakedo.That's cool! Although it looks difficult.
- 大翔 Hirotoはい、しっかり勉強しなければなりません。Hai, shikkari benkyou shinakereba narimasen.Yes, I have to study hard.
- 美咲 Misaki応援していますよ、大翔さん。Ouen shite imasu yo, Daito-san.I'm rooting for you, Daito.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “lawyer” translations and entries 弁護士, 法曹, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
