禁止
kinshi[kʲĩɰ̃ɕi]
禁止 (kinshi) is the Japanese phrase for "not allowed".
禁止 is used to describe an action that is forbidden by a rule or law. As a noun, 禁止 means prohibition or a ban and is frequently seen on signs and public notices to indicate that certain actions are not allowed. You may also see the phrase 禁止事項 (kinshi jikō), which refers to specific prohibited matters or a list of things that are not allowed in a particular setting.
What does it mean word for word?
The word consists of the kanji 禁止, which means prohibition or a ban.
How does it change in a sentence?
If you want to express that something is currently in a state of being prohibited, use the form 禁止されている. To describe an authority or a person actively performing the act of prohibiting something, use the verb form 禁止する (to prohibit). Additionally, the phrase いけません (ikemasen) can be used to convey that something is forbidden or prohibited.
How do you pronounce it?
kinshi
Did you know?
- While 禁止 is a formal ban, the casual word for 'not allowed' is だめ (dame), which literally means 'useless' or 'no good'.
- In many Japanese public spaces, you might see signs that do not use the word 禁止 to say something is 'not allowed', but instead use the phrase お控えください (ohikae kudasai). This translates to 'please refrain from', which feels much softer and more polite than a direct command.
- The word 禁忌 (kinki) is an old-fashioned term for 'prohibited' that specifically refers to things forbidden due to religious taboos or sacredness.
Examples in context
- 教室は飲食禁止です。In the classroom eating and drinking is not allowed.This example uses 禁止 to show that eating and drinking is not allowed in a classroom.Tatoeba #11571126 by small_snow, translation #13138673 by terrywallwork
- 彼女は今外出禁止です。She is not allowed to go out now.This example uses 禁止 to state that a person is not allowed to go out.Tatoeba #90018 by bunbuku, translation #7924738 by EoghanM
- 武器の輸出が禁止された。The export of arms was not allowed.This example uses 禁止 to describe how the export of arms was not allowed.Tatoeba #84266 by KK_kaku_, translation #2944654 by CK
- 5 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Misaki and Kenta are visiting a library.
- 美咲 Misakiここは写真撮影禁止だよ。Koko wa shashin satsuei kinshi dayo.Photography is forbidden here.
- 健太 Kenta本当だ。看板に書いてあるね。Hontō da. Kanban ni kaite aru ne.You're right. It's written on the sign.
- 美咲 Misakiだから、カメラをしまってね。Dakara, kamera o shimatte ne.So, please put your camera away.
- 健太 Kentaわかった。ごめんね、美咲。Wakatta. Gomen ne, Misaki.Got it. Sorry, Misaki.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry 禁止, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
