正 当 防 衛(せいとうぼうえい)

せいとうぼうえい

noun

self-defense (legal term); justifiable defense

formallegal

1. self-defense (legal term); justifiable defense

The legal right to use reasonable force to protect oneself or others from an imminent threat. In Japanese law, an act of self-defense that meets certain conditions is not punishable. Also used loosely in everyday speech.

これは正当防衛(せいとうぼうえい)だと主張(しゅちょう)した。

He claimed it was self-defense.

裁判(さいばん)で正当防衛(せいとうぼうえい)が認(みと)められた。

Self-defense was recognized in the trial.

相手(あいて)に先(さき)に殴(なぐ)られたので正当防衛(せいとうぼうえい)として反撃(はんげき)したが、やりすぎると過剰防衛(かじょうぼうえい)になる。

I was hit first so I fought back in self-defense, but going too far would constitute excessive defense.

Usage

A legal term defined in Article 36 of the Japanese Penal Code. Also widely used in casual conversation when justifying a defensive action. The boundary between 正当防衛(せいとうぼうえい) and 過剰防衛(かじょうぼうえい) (excessive defense) is a frequent topic in legal discussions and crime dramas.

Common collocations

正当防衛(せいとうぼうえい)が成立(せいりつ)する (self-defense is established)
正当防衛(せいとうぼうえい)を主張(しゅちょう)する (to claim self-defense)
正当防衛(せいとうぼうえい)が認(みと)められる (self-defense is recognized)

Related words

過剰防衛(かじょうぼうえい): excessive defense — when the response goes beyond what is necessary
緊急避難(きんきゅうひなん): act of necessity — another legal justification for otherwise unlawful acts

Related Words

Compare: 護身術(ごしんじゅつ) (self-defense (art/technique))

Compare: 護身(ごしん) (self-defense)

Compare: 自己防衛(じこぼうえい) (self-defense)

general

Added 2026.3.20 18:04 · Revised 2026.9.2 13:01

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