禁忌の
kinki no
The English word "taboo" is translated into Japanese as 禁忌の (kinki no). If unsure, use 禁忌の. Wiktionary also lists 禁制の (kinsei no).
Meaning: excluded or forbidden from use, approach or mention (adj)
Ways to say it
| Japanese | Romanization (Wiktionary) |
|---|---|
| 禁忌の | kinki no |
| 禁制の | kinsei no |
The term describes something that is excluded or forbidden from use, approach or mention. The related noun 禁忌 (kinki) specifically refers to a topic that is forbidden due to cultural, religious or social reasons.
What does it mean word for word?
The noun form 禁忌 (kinki) is composed of the characters 禁 (prohibit) and 忌 (avoid/detest).
Which one should you use?
There is a distinction between the two forms provided. 禁忌の (kinki no) refers to a social or religious taboo, whereas 禁制の (kinsei no) is more commonly used for things that are officially or legally prohibited by an authority.
Related words
How does it change in a sentence?
The particle の (no) is used to turn the noun 禁忌 (kinki) into an adjective to modify a following noun.
How do you pronounce it?
kinki no
Did you know?
- While 禁忌 describes a taboo, the word タブー (tabū) is also used in modern Japanese as a loanword. The loanword often refers to social faux pas or 'off-limits' topics in conversation, while 禁忌 feels more formal or religious.
- In Japanese culture, the concept of 禁忌 extends to 'forbidden words' called 忌み言葉 (imikotoba). These are words avoided during weddings or New Year celebrations because they are thought to invite bad luck.
- While 禁忌 (kinki) describes a social or religious taboo, it is also a technical term used in medicine to describe 'contraindications', or treatments that must be avoided for a patient's safety.
Examples in context
- 彼の発言は非常識だと思います。I believe his remark is socially unacceptable.
- ここではタバコはダメですよ。Smoking is not allowed here, you know.
- それはこの村における禁忌の儀式だ。Sore wa kono mura ni okeru kinki no gishiki da.That is a taboo ritual in this village.
- 禁忌の領域に足を踏み入れてはいけない。Kinki no ryouiki ni ashi o fumiirete wa ikenai.You must not step into the forbidden territory.
- 彼は禁忌の知識を追い求めている。Kare wa kinki no chishiki o oimotomete iru.He is pursuing forbidden knowledge.
Example conversation
Two students are discussing a local legend.
- 陽葵 Himariこの森の奥には禁忌の区域があるらしいよ。Kono mori no oku ni wa kinki no kuiki ga aru rashii yo.I heard there is a taboo area deep in this forest.
- 大翔 Hiroto本当に？誰が入ったらダメなの？Hontou ni? Dare ga haittara dame na no?Really? Who is forbidden from entering?
- 陽葵 Himari地元の人全員にとって禁忌の場所なんだって。Jimoto no hito zen'in ni totte kinki no basho nan datte.They say it is a taboo place for all the locals.
- 大翔 Hiroto怖いから、近づかないようにしよう。Kowai kara, chikazukanai you ni shiyou.It's scary, so let's make sure not to go near it.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “taboo” translations, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
