Meaning and Usage
"違反" (いはん) means "violation" or "infringement," typically referring to breaking laws, rules, or regulations. It is a noun often used in formal or official contexts such as legal, traffic, or company rules.
Common Collocations
- 交通違反 (こうつういはん): traffic violation
- 規則違反 (きそくいはん): rule violation
- 著作権違反 (ちょさくけんいはん): copyright infringement
These collocations are frequently used in news, legal documents, and everyday conversation when discussing rule-breaking.
Register and Politeness
"違反" is a neutral to formal noun and is appropriate in both spoken and written Japanese, especially in formal contexts. It is not casual.
Usage Tips
When using "違反," it often appears with verbs like "する" (to do) or "すること" (the act of doing). For example, "規則に違反する" means "to violate rules."
A common learner mistake is confusing "違反" with "間違い" (mistake). "違反" implies intentional or legal breaking of rules, while "間違い" is a general error or mistake.
Summary
Use "違反" when talking about breaking laws or rules in a formal or serious context. Remember common collocations and pair it with verbs like "する" to express the act of violation.