合法
gōhō[ɡo̞ːho̞ː]
The English word 'legal' can be translated into Japanese as 合法 (gōhō). Wiktionary also lists 法に則った (hō ni nottotta).
Meaning: allowed or prescribed by law (adj)
Ways to say it
| Japanese | Romanization (Wiktionary) | IPA |
|---|---|---|
| 合法 | gōhō | [ɡo̞ːho̞ː] (narrow) |
| 法に則った | hō ni nottotta |
合法 is used to describe things that are allowed or prescribed by law. While 合法 serves as a concise noun or adjectival term, the phrase 法に則った is specifically used to describe actions or processes that are being carried out in accordance with or following legal procedures.
What does it mean word for word?
The word 合法 is composed of the characters 合 (matching/joining) and 法 (law).
Which one should you use?
The antonym of 合法 is 違法, which means illegal or against the law.
How does it change in a sentence?
To use 合法 as a noun-modifying adjective (for example, 'a legal action'), you add the suffix な to form 合法的な.
How do you pronounce it?
gōhō
Did you know?
- In Japanese slang, 合法 is sometimes used ironically to describe things that look or feel 'illegal' or 'sinful' but are technically permitted, such as an incredibly decadent dessert.
- Because 法 (law) is also the character used for 'Buddhist precepts', the word can carry a sense of 'sacred rule' in historical literary contexts.
- Japanese has a specific term 合法化 for 'legalization', but when discussing the 'legalization' of something controversial, the phrase 解禁 (lifting a ban) is frequently used instead.
Examples in context
- この州では同性婚は合法だ。Same-sex marriage is legal here.This sentence is useful for stating that same-sex marriage is legal in a specific state using 合法.Tatoeba #2275723 by tommy_san, translation #2265556 by Hybrid
- それって合法的なんだろうか？Is it legal?This sentence is useful for asking if something is legal using 合法.Tatoeba #3507402 by arnab, translation #1991840 by Spamster
- これは合法ですか？Is this legal?Tatoeba #1683162 by aka_aj, translation #1682863 by Spamster
- 法的な手続きは必要です。(ほうてきな てつづきは ひつようです。)Legal procedures are required.
- それは合法だよ。(それは ごうほう だよ。)That is legal.
- 1 more sentence on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Hiyori and Hiroto are discussing a new business idea.
- 陽葵 Himariこの方法は本当に合法なの？Kono hōhō wa hontō ni gōhō nano?Is this method really legal?
- 大翔 Hirotoうん、弁護士に確認したから大丈夫だよ。Un, bengoshi ni kakunin shita kara daijōbu dayo.Yes, I checked with a lawyer, so it's fine.
- 陽葵 Himariよかった。合法じゃないと怖すぎるもん。Yokatta. Gōhō janai to kowasugiru mon.That's a relief. It would be too scary if it wasn't legal.
- 大翔 Hiroto安心しただろう？さっそく準備しよう。Anshin shita darō? Sassoku junbi shiyō.You're relieved now, right? Let's start preparing.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “legal” translations and entries 合法, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
