違反

• Reading: いはん
• Romaji: ihan
• Kanji breakdown: 違 (i) — differ, go against; 反 (han) — oppose, rebel
• Pronunciation: /i.haɴ/

Meaning

Violation; infringement. Breaking a rule, law, or regulation.

A noun that also functions as a suru verb (違反する). Commonly used with traffic violations (交通違反), rule violations (規則違反), and legal infractions. Often paired with に to indicate what was violated. The person who violates is 違反者.

Examples

1. 駐車違反で罰金を払わされた。 I was made to pay a fine for a parking violation.
2. この行為は法律に違反している。 This act is in violation of the law.
3. 交通違反をすると免許の点数が減る。 If you commit a traffic violation, points get deducted from your license.

Usage Guide

Context: law, traffic, rules

Tone: serious

Origin & History

Compound of 違 (i, to differ/go against) and 反 (han, to oppose/rebel). Together, 'going against and opposing' — acting contrary to established rules.

Cultural Context

Era: Modern

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal