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A1 noun #3,577 most common 13 min read

法人

hōjin Top 3,577

Practice it Examples Notes & Tips 法人 in 30 Seconds

Explanation 法人 in your Level:

At the A1 level, you only need to know that 法人 (hōjin) means a 'company' or 'business' in a formal way. You will mostly see this word on forms or at the bank. If you see a button on a website that says '法人のお客様' (hōjin no okyakusama), it means 'for business customers.' Just remember: 法 (hō) means law, and 人 (jin) means person. So, a 'law person' is a company! You don't need to use it in daily speech, but you should recognize it when you are filling out your name and address on official Japanese papers. It is the opposite of 個人 (kojin), which means 'individual' or 'just me.' If you are a student, you are a 個人. If you are a big shop like Toyota, you are a 法人. This basic distinction is enough for now. When you go to a bank to open an account, if they ask 'Kojin? Hōjin?', they are asking if the account is for you or for a business. Knowing this will help you avoid confusion in official places. You might also see it in the term '法人税' (hōjinzei), which is the tax that businesses pay. Even at A1, knowing that 'hōjin' equals 'business entity' will make you feel more confident when navigating Japanese websites or offices.

At the A2 level, you should understand that 法人 (hōjin) is a broad category that includes more than just for-profit companies. You might start seeing it in compound words like 'NPO法人' (non-profit organization) or '学校法人' (educational institution). This tells you that the school or the non-profit has a legal status similar to a person. You should be able to use the phrase '法人として' (hōjin toshite), which means 'as a legal entity.' For example, '法人として契約します' (I will sign the contract as a legal entity). This is useful if you are doing freelance work or starting a small side business in Japan. You should also recognize the difference between a 'kaisha' (company) and a 'hōjin.' A 'kaisha' is what you call your workplace, but 'hōjin' is what you write on a tax form. At this level, you can start using '法人営業' (hōjin eigyō) to describe sales jobs that target businesses. Understanding this word helps you transition from 'classroom Japanese' to 'real-world Japanese' used in offices and administration. It's a key word for anyone living in Japan who needs to handle paperwork or understand how organizations are structured.

At the B1 level, you should be comfortable using 法人 (hōjin) in professional contexts and understand its legal implications. You should know that a 法人 has its own 'rights and duties' (権利と義務 - kenri to gimu). This means the entity can own land, have a bank account, and is responsible for its own debts. You should be familiar with the term '法人格' (hōjinkaku), which refers to 'legal personality.' If an organization has 'hōjinkaku,' it is officially recognized by the government. You will encounter this word in news reports about corporate responsibility or changes in tax law. For instance, you might hear about '法人税の増税' (an increase in corporate tax). You should also be able to distinguish between '営利法人' (eiri hōjin - for-profit entity) and '非営利法人' (hieiri hōjin - non-profit entity). In a business meeting, you might use 法人 to refer to a client in a formal way: 'あちらの法人は...' (That legal entity...). This level of vocabulary shows that you understand the formal structures of Japanese society and can navigate business discussions with more precision. You should also be aware of '法人会員' (hōjin kaiin) when signing up for services, as the terms and conditions for businesses are often different from those for individuals.

At the B2 level, you should understand the nuances of 法人 (hōjin) within the Japanese legal and economic system. You should be aware of the distinction between '公法人' (kōhōjin - public legal entities like the government) and '私法人' (shihōjin - private legal entities like companies). This distinction is important for understanding administrative law and how the government interacts with the private sector. You should also be familiar with specific types of legal entities, such as '株式会社' (joint-stock company), '合同会社' (limited liability company), and '一般社団法人' (general incorporated association). You might discuss the process of '法人化' (hōjinka - incorporation) and its pros and cons, such as limited liability and tax benefits. In a professional setting, you should be able to explain the concept of '法人としての責任' (responsibility as a legal entity) in cases of corporate scandal or environmental issues. You will also encounter the term in more complex financial contexts, like '法人登記' (hōjin tōki - corporate registration) and '法人代表' (hōjin daihyō - representative of a legal entity). At this level, your use of 法人 should be precise, reflecting an understanding that the term is a legal construct designed to facilitate complex social and economic interactions.

At the C1 level, you are expected to handle 法人 (hōjin) in highly technical and academic discussions. You should be able to discuss the '法人格否認の法理' (hōjinkaku hinin no hōri), which is the legal doctrine of 'piercing the corporate veil.' This involves cases where the legal separation between a company and its owners is ignored by a court to prevent fraud or injustice. You should also understand the historical development of the 法人 concept in Japan, which was heavily influenced by German legal philosophy during the Meiji Restoration. You can analyze the role of '宗教法人' (religious corporations) or '医療法人' (medical corporations) in Japanese society, including the specific tax exemptions they receive and the controversies that sometimes surround them. Your vocabulary should include related terms like '清算法人' (hōjin in liquidation) and '特例社団法人' (special incorporated association). In a legal or business debate, you should be able to articulate the philosophical implications of treating a non-human entity as a 'person' with rights such as freedom of expression. You should also be able to read and interpret complex legal documents, such as the '法人税法' (Corporation Tax Act) or the '会社法' (Companies Act), where the term 法人 is defined and regulated with extreme precision.

At the C2 level, you possess a mastery of 法人 (hōjin) equivalent to a Japanese legal professional or academic. You can engage in deep analysis of corporate governance, the evolution of '法人実体説' (the theory that a legal entity is a real social entity) versus '法人擬制説' (the theory that a legal entity is a legal fiction). You can discuss the implications of these theories on how laws are drafted and interpreted in Japan. You are capable of drafting formal legal articles or business proposals that utilize the term 法人 and its derivatives with perfect accuracy and register. You understand the intricate relationship between '法人住民税' (corporate inhabitant tax) and '法人事業税' (corporate enterprise tax) across different prefectures. You can also lead discussions on the international aspects of 法人 status, such as how Japanese legal entities are recognized and taxed in foreign jurisdictions (and vice versa). Your understanding extends to the most niche types of entities, such as '中間法人' (intermediate corporations) or '特定非営利活動法人' (specified non-profit corporations). At this level, the word is no longer just a vocabulary item but a building block for complex legal and economic arguments regarding the nature of collective agency and responsibility in modern global society.

Practice it Examples Notes & Tips

法人 in 30 Seconds

法人 (hōjin) means 'legal entity' or 'juridical person,' treating an organization like a person under the law.
It is a broad term covering companies (会社), schools (学校法人), and non-profits (NPO法人).
Used in formal contexts like banking, tax (法人税), and legal contracts to distinguish from individuals (個人).
Essential for professional Japanese, it conveys official status and institutional responsibility.

The Japanese word 法人 (ほうじん - hōjin) is a fundamental term in the realms of law, business, and administration. At its core, it translates to 'legal person' or 'juridical person.' While the word 'person' (人 - hito) usually refers to a biological human being, the addition of the character for 'law' (法 - hō) transforms the meaning into an entity that is treated as a person under the law. This means that a group of people, an organization, or an institution can own property, enter into contracts, sue, and be sued, just like an individual human can. This concept is vital for the functioning of a modern economy because it allows businesses and non-profits to exist independently of the specific individuals who founded or manage them. When you see this word, think of it as an 'umbrella' term that covers various types of organizations, from massive international corporations like Toyota to small local non-profit community centers.

Legal Status: In Japan, becoming a 法人 requires registration with the Legal Affairs Bureau. Once registered, the entity gains its own 'legal personality' (法人格 - hōjinkaku), which separates the entity's assets and liabilities from those of its members.

新しい会社を設立して、法人として登記しました。(I established a new company and registered it as a legal entity.)

The term is used extensively in formal settings. For instance, when opening a bank account for a business, you will be asked if the account is for an individual (個人 - kojin) or a legal entity (法人 - hōjin). Similarly, tax laws are divided into income tax for individuals (所得税 - shotokuzei) and corporate tax (法人税 - hōjinzei). Understanding this distinction is the first step toward navigating the Japanese professional world. It is not just a 'company' (会社 - kaisha); it is a broader category that includes schools (学校法人 - gakkō hōjin), hospitals (医療法人 - iryō hōjin), and religious organizations (宗教法人 - shūkyō hōjin). Each of these has specific legal requirements and tax treatments, but they all share the common trait of being a 'legal person.'

Etymology: The term was coined during the Meiji period to translate the Western legal concept of 'Juristische Person.' The choice of 法 (law) and 人 (person) perfectly captures the essence of a 'creature of the law.'

この取引は法人間で行われます。(This transaction is conducted between legal entities.)

Furthermore, the concept of 法人 allows for perpetual succession. Unlike a human who eventually passes away, a 法人 can exist indefinitely as long as it complies with legal regulations. This provides a level of continuity for contracts and social services. In everyday conversation, you might not use 法人 frequently unless you are discussing business, law, or taxes, but in any professional environment, it is an indispensable part of your vocabulary. It represents the shift from personal relationships to institutionalized structures that define modern society.

非営利法人として地域に貢献しています。(We contribute to the community as a non-profit organization.)

Public vs. Private: There are Public Juridical Persons (公法人 - kōhōjin), like the national government or municipalities, and Private Juridical Persons (私法人 - shihōjin), like private companies and associations.

Finally, it is worth noting that the rights of a 法人 are not exactly the same as a human's. For example, a corporation cannot marry or vote in political elections, but it does have the right to free speech (in the form of advertising or political contributions) and protection against illegal searches under Japanese law. This complex balance between the 'legal' and the 'human' is what makes the study of 法人 so fascinating for law students and business professionals alike.

Using 法人 (hōjin) correctly requires an understanding of the grammatical structures that typically surround business and legal terminology. Since it is a noun, it often functions as a subject, object, or as part of a compound noun. In formal Japanese, you will frequently see it paired with the particle 'として' (toshite), meaning 'as' or 'in the capacity of.' This highlights the role the organization is playing in a specific context. For example, '法人として契約を結ぶ' means 'to sign a contract as a legal entity.' This distinguishes the action from an individual employee or owner signing in their personal capacity.

Compound Nouns: 法人 is often the root for more specific terms. Common ones include 法人税 (hōjinzei - corporate tax), 法人化 (hōjinka - incorporation), and 法人窓口 (hōjin madoguchi - corporate service desk at a bank).

銀行で法人用のアカウントを作りました。(I created a corporate account at the bank.)

Another common pattern involves the use of the possessive particle 'の' (no) to describe things belonging to or relating to the legal entity. For example, '法人の権利' (hōjin no kenri) refers to 'the rights of the legal entity.' In more technical writing, you might see the term '法人格' (hōjinkaku), which refers to the 'legal status' or 'legal personality' itself. Verbs like '取得する' (shutoku suru - to acquire) or '喪失する' (sōshitsu suru - to lose) are often used with 法人格 to describe the beginning or end of an organization's legal existence.

In the context of the Japanese Companies Act, 法人 is the broad category, while specific types like 株式会社 (kabushiki gaisha - joint-stock company) or 合同会社 (gōdō gaisha - limited liability company) are the specific forms a 法人 can take. Therefore, in a sentence, you might say, 'この株式会社は、営利を目的とする法人です' (This joint-stock company is a legal entity that aims for profit). This clarifies the legal classification of the business.

法人カードを利用することで、経費の管理が楽になります。(By using a corporate card, managing expenses becomes easier.)

Formal Verbs: When a 法人 is the subject, formal verbs like '営む' (itonomu - to carry on/conduct business) or '運営する' (un'ei suru - to manage/operate) are commonly used.

When discussing taxes, the sentence structure often involves '課される' (kasareru - to be imposed). For example, '法人には法人税が課されます' (Corporate tax is imposed on legal entities). This passive construction is standard in legal and official documents. Similarly, in the context of liability, you will encounter the phrase '責任を負う' (sekinin o ou - to bear responsibility), as in '法人が法的責任を負います' (The legal entity bears legal responsibility).

彼は複数の法人を経営しています。(He manages multiple legal entities.)

Finally, in the digital age, you might see '法人会員' (hōjin kaiin - corporate member) on websites or subscription services. This indicates a pricing tier or account type specifically designed for businesses rather than individual consumers. Using 法人 correctly in these contexts ensures that you are communicating clearly in a professional Japanese environment, avoiding the ambiguity that might come from using more casual terms like '会社' (company) when the legal distinction is what matters most.

The word 法人 (hōjin) is ubiquitous in the Japanese professional landscape, though you might not hear it shouted in a crowded market. Instead, it is the language of the office, the bank, the government building, and the news broadcast. If you are watching the evening news (like NHK), you will hear 法人 whenever a story involves corporate taxes, legal disputes involving organizations, or the establishment of new types of non-profits. For example, a reporter might say, '政府は新しい法人税率について議論しています' (The government is discussing the new corporate tax rate). In this context, the term is used because it covers all types of taxable organizations, not just standard companies.

At the Bank: If you go to a bank in Japan, you will see signs for '法人窓口' (Corporate Window). This is where business owners go to handle company-related transactions. The staff will use 法人 to distinguish your business identity from your personal identity.

「法人のお客様はあちらの窓口へどうぞ。」("Corporate customers, please go to that window over there.")

In the business-to-business (B2B) world, 法人 is the standard way to refer to your clients or targets. Sales teams often talk about '法人営業' (hōjin eigyō - corporate sales or B2B sales). If a job listing says '法人営業の経験者歓迎' (Experienced corporate sales people welcome), it means they want someone who knows how to sell products or services to other organizations rather than to individual consumers (B2C). You will also hear it in the context of '法人契約' (hōjin keiyaku - corporate contract), such as when a company rents an apartment for an employee to live in. The lease is in the company's name, so it is a 法人契約.

Education and healthcare are two other sectors where the word is heard daily. In Japan, most private schools and universities are managed by a '学校法人' (Educational Foundation). Similarly, many hospitals are '医療法人' (Medical Corporations). When parents discuss school administration, or when doctors discuss hospital management, the term 法人 is the natural way to refer to the governing body. It implies a level of officialdom and structured governance that the word 'group' (グループ) or 'team' (チーム) does not convey.

この病院は医療法人によって運営されています。(This hospital is operated by a medical corporation.)

Real Estate: Real estate agents often ask, '契約は個人ですか、法人ですか？' (Is the contract for an individual or a legal entity?). This affects the documentation required and the credit check process.

Finally, if you are a fan of Japanese dramas or movies involving corporate intrigue, legal battles, or political scandals, 法人 will be a frequent keyword. It appears in phrases like '法人格の剥奪' (revocation of legal status) or '法人の実体' (the reality/substance of the legal entity). Whether it is a high-stakes courtroom scene or a mundane trip to the bank, 法人 is the term that signals you are dealing with the organized, legal structures of Japanese society.

宗教法人の不祥事がニュースになっています。(The scandal of a religious organization is in the news.)

One of the most common mistakes learners make is using 法人 (hōjin) as a synonym for 会社 (kaisha - company) in all situations. While all companies are legal entities (法人), not all legal entities are companies. For example, a city government (市役所) or a public university is a 法人, but you would never call them a 会社. Using 'kaisha' when you should use 'hōjin' can make you sound unprofessional or legally imprecise, especially in documents or formal discussions. Conversely, using 'hōjin' in a casual conversation about where you work ('I work at a legal entity') sounds incredibly stiff and strange. Use 'kaisha' for your employer and 'hōjin' for the legal classification.

Confusing Individual and Entity: Learners sometimes forget that a 'sole proprietorship' (個人事業主 - kojin jigyōnushi) is NOT a 法人. Even if someone has a big business, if they haven't registered it as a legal entity, they are still a 'kojin' (individual) in the eyes of the law.

× 私は法人で働いています。(I work at a legal entity - sounds odd) → ○ 私は会社で働いています。(I work at a company.)

Another mistake is the mispronunciation or confusion of the kanji. The 'hō' in 法人 is the same 'hō' as in 'hōritsu' (law). Some students might confuse it with 'hō' meaning 'direction' (方). While they sound the same, the context and kanji are distinct. Also, be careful with the word 'hōjin' (邦人), which means 'Japanese national living abroad.' Though pronounced the same, the first kanji is different (邦 vs 法). If you are talking about corporate tax and use the wrong kanji or context, it could lead to confusion, though usually, the context of 'tax' (zei) makes it clear.

Grammatically, a mistake often occurs when learners try to pluralize it. In Japanese, nouns don't change form for plurality, but in English, we say 'legal entities.' Learners might try to add a suffix like 'たち' (tachi), which is for people. Saying '法人たち' is incorrect because 'tachi' implies a group of humans with personalities. Instead, use '複数の法人' (fukusū no hōjin - multiple legal entities) or simply '法人' and let the context show it is plural.

× 法人たちは税金を払います。(Legal entities [as people] pay taxes - unnatural) → ○ 法人は税金を納めます。(Legal entities pay [render] taxes.)

Register Errors: Using 法人 in a casual setting is like using the word 'litigant' or 'domicile' in a casual English conversation. It feels unnecessarily heavy and technical.

Lastly, ensure you don't confuse '法人' with '法律人' (hōritsujin). While 'hōjin' is a legal entity (like a company), 'hōritsujin' refers to a 'legal professional' (like a lawyer or judge). Mixing these up can lead to significant misunderstandings in a legal context. If you mean to say 'I want to talk to a legal entity,' but say 'I want to talk to a legal professional,' you might end up with a lawyer instead of a business representative!

× 彼は有名な法人です。(He is a famous legal entity - impossible) → ○ 彼は有名な弁護士です。(He is a famous lawyer.)

To truly master 法人 (hōjin), you must understand how it relates to other words for groups and organizations. The most common alternative is 会社 (kaisha). As discussed, a 会社 is a specific type of 法人 that exists to make a profit. If you are talking about your workplace, your boss, or a competitor in a commercial sense, 会社 is the better choice. However, if you are discussing the legal structure or tax status, 法人 is more accurate. Think of 'kaisha' as 'company' and 'hōjin' as 'legal entity.'

Comparison: 法人 vs. 会社

法人: Broad legal term. Includes NPOs, schools, and the government.
会社: Specific business term. Refers to profit-seeking entities like 株式会社.

Another similar word is 団体 (dantai), which means 'group' or 'organization.' While a 法人 is always a 団体, not every 団体 is a 法人. A group of friends who meet to play soccer is a 団体, but they aren't a 法人 unless they register with the government. 団体 is used more broadly for any collective, whereas 法人 specifically denotes legal recognition. For example, '政治団体' (seiji dantai) is a political group, which may or may not have 法人 status.

非営利団体ですが、法人格は持っていません。(It is a non-profit organization, but it does not have legal entity status.)

Then there is 組織 (soshiki), which means 'organization' or 'structure.' This word focuses on the internal arrangement and hierarchy of a group. You might talk about '組織改革' (soshiki kaikaku - organizational reform). While a 法人 has a 組織, the word 組織 itself doesn't carry the legal weight of 法人. If you are talking about how a company is run, use 組織; if you are talking about who is responsible for a debt, use 法人.

For non-profit contexts, you will see NPO法人 (en-pī-ō hōjin). This is a loanword combined with 法人. In English, we just say 'NPO' or 'non-profit,' but in Japanese legal terms, the 'hōjin' part is usually appended to show it is a registered legal entity. There are also 一般社団法人 (ippan shadan hōjin - general incorporated association) and 一般財団法人 (ippan zaidan hōjin - general incorporated foundation). These are very specific legal forms that you will see on business cards and nameplates.

Comparison: 法人 vs. 個人

法人: A legal entity (company, org).
個人: An individual person.

This is the most common contrast found on forms.

Finally, the term 事業体 (jigyōtai) refers to a 'business entity' or 'enterprise.' This is a more economic term, focusing on the activity of doing business. While most 事業体 are 法人, the focus is on the enterprise's operations rather than its legal status. By understanding these nuances, you can choose the exact right word to express whether you are talking about a company's business activities (事業), its internal structure (組織), its general group nature (団体), or its legal identity (法人).

How Formal Is It?

Fun Fact

Before the Meiji period, the concept of a 'legal person' didn't exist in Japanese law in the same way. The introduction of this word allowed Japanese businesses to form the first joint-stock companies (株式会社).

Pronunciation Guide

UK /ˈhəʊ.dʒɪn/

US /ˈhoʊ.dʒɪn/

The stress is even across both syllables, as is typical in Japanese (pitch accent is LH).

Rhymes With

個人 (kojin) 邦人 (hōjin) 方針 (hōshin) 成人 (seijin) 新人 (shinjin) 詩人 (shijin) 知人 (chijin) 美人 (bijin)

Common Errors

Pronouncing 'hō' as a short 'ho' like in 'hot.' It must be a long vowel.
Confusing 'jin' with 'shin' (hōshin means policy).
Pronouncing it like 'ho-jin' with a pause in the middle.
Mixing up the pitch accent, making it sound like 'hōjin' (foreigner - though the kanji is different).
Confusing it with 'hōjin' (Japanese national abroad) which has the same sound but different kanji.

Difficulty Rating

Reading 3/5

The kanji are basic (N4 level), but the context is often technical and academic.

Writing 3/5

Writing the kanji is easy, but using it correctly in legal/business contexts requires practice.

Speaking 2/5

Easy to pronounce, but rarely used in casual conversation.

Listening 3/5

Can be confused with other 'hōjin' homophones or related business terms.

What to Learn Next

Prerequisites

法 (Law) 人 (Person) 会社 (Company) 個人 (Individual) 税金 (Tax)

Learn Next

株式会社 (Joint-stock company) 登記 (Registration) 契約書 (Contract) 代表取締役 (Representative Director) 営利 (Profit-making)

Advanced

法人格否認の法理 (Piercing the corporate veil) 定款 (Articles of Incorporation) 清算 (Liquidation) 権利能力 (Legal capacity) 公法人 (Public legal entity)

Grammar to Know

Noun + として (Toshite)

法人として登録する。 (Register as a legal entity.)

Noun + 向けの (Muke no)

法人向けのサービス。 (A service aimed at legal entities.)

Noun + 用の (Yō no)

法人用の銀行口座。 (A bank account for legal entity use.)

Noun + 間 (Kan)

法人間での取引。 (Transactions between legal entities.)

Noun + 化 (Ka)

個人事業の法人化。 (The incorporation of a private business.)

Examples by Level

ここは法人用の窓口です。

This is the window for legal entities (businesses).

法人用 (hōjin-yō) means 'for business use' or 'for legal entities'.

法人カードを作りたいです。

I want to make a corporate card.

法人 (hōjin) functions as an adjective here to describe the card.

法人の名前を教えてください。

Please tell me the name of the legal entity.

The particle 'no' links 'hōjin' to 'namae' (name).

彼は法人を経営しています。

He manages a legal entity.

経営する (keiei suru) is the standard verb for managing a business.

法人は税金を払います。

Legal entities pay taxes.

法人 is the subject of the sentence.

これは法人向けのサービスです。

This is a service for legal entities.

〜向け (muke) means 'intended for' or 'aimed at'.

法人の住所はどこですか？

Where is the legal entity's address?

住所 (jūsho) means address.

個人ですか、法人ですか？

Are you an individual or a legal entity?

A common question at banks or when signing contracts.

この会社はNPO法人です。

This company is a non-profit organization (legal entity).

NPO is often combined with 法人 in Japanese.

法人として登録する必要があります。

It is necessary to register as a legal entity.

〜として (toshite) means 'as' or 'in the capacity of'.

法人化すると、信頼が高まります。

Incorporating (becoming a legal entity) increases trust.

法人化 (hōjinka) is the noun for 'incorporation'.

法人の印鑑を持ってきてください。

Please bring the legal entity's seal (hanko).

印鑑 (inkan) is the official seal used for contracts.

法人会員になると割引があります。

There is a discount if you become a corporate member.

法人会員 (hōjin kaiin) means corporate member.

法人の銀行口座を開設しました。

I opened a bank account for the legal entity.

開設する (kaisetsu suru) means to open or establish (an account).

学校法人の理事長に会いました。

I met the chairperson of the school corporation.

学校法人 (gakkō hōjin) is an educational foundation.

法人の種類を教えてください。

Please tell me the type of legal entity.

種類 (shurui) means type or kind.

法人は法律によって権利を与えられています。

Legal entities are granted rights by law.

Passive voice: 与えられている (ataerarete iru).

法人税の申告期限はいつですか？

When is the deadline for filing corporate tax?

法人税 (hōjinzei) is corporate tax.

この契約は法人名義で行われます。

This contract is conducted in the name of the legal entity.

名義 (meigi) means 'in the name of' or 'under the name'.

法人の代表者が書類に署名しました。

The representative of the legal entity signed the document.

代表者 (daihyōsha) means representative.

宗教法人は税制上の優遇があります。

Religious corporations have tax advantages.

優遇 (yūgū) means preferential treatment.

法人格を取得するための手続きを調べました。

I researched the procedures for acquiring legal personality.

法人格 (hōjinkaku) means legal personality.

法人間でのトラブルを避けるために契約書が必要です。

To avoid trouble between legal entities, a contract is necessary.

法人間 (hōjin-kan) means 'between legal entities'.

彼は複数の法人を所有しています。

He owns multiple legal entities.

所有する (shoyū suru) means to own.

法人は、自然人と同様に裁判の当事者になれます。

Legal entities can be parties to a lawsuit, just like natural persons.

自然人 (shizenjin) means 'natural person' (a human).

法人の不祥事により、株価が急落しました。

Due to the legal entity's scandal, the stock price plummeted.

不祥事 (fushōji) means scandal or misconduct.

一般社団法人を設立するメリットは何ですか？

What are the benefits of establishing a general incorporated association?

一般社団法人 (ippan shadan hōjin) is a specific type of entity.

法人の解散には、複雑な法的プロセスが伴います。

The dissolution of a legal entity involves complex legal processes.

解散 (kaisan) means dissolution.

法人住民税は、所在地によって異なります。

Corporate inhabitant tax varies depending on the location.

法人住民税 (hōjin jūminzei) is a local corporate tax.

この法人は、社会福祉を目的としています。

This legal entity aims for social welfare.

社会福祉 (shakai fukushi) means social welfare.

法人の登記簿謄本を取り寄せました。

I requested a certified copy of the corporate register.

登記簿謄本 (tōkibo tōhon) is a certified copy of the register.

法人の実質的支配者を特定する必要があります。

It is necessary to identify the beneficial owner of the legal entity.

実質的支配者 (jisshitsuteki shihaisha) means beneficial owner.

法人格否認の法理が適用されるケースは稀です。

Cases where the doctrine of piercing the corporate veil is applied are rare.

法人格否認の法理 is a high-level legal term.

法人の社会的責任（CSR）が問われる時代になりました。

We are in an era where the corporate social responsibility (CSR) of legal entities is questioned.

社会的責任 (shakaiteki sekinin) means social responsibility.

公法人と私法人の区別は、行政法において重要です。

The distinction between public and private legal entities is important in administrative law.

公法人 (kōhōjin) vs 私法人 (shihōjin).

法人のガバナンス体制を強化する必要があります。

It is necessary to strengthen the governance structure of the legal entity.

ガバナンス (gabanansu) is the loanword for governance.

法人の合併によるシナジー効果を期待しています。

We expect synergy effects from the merger of the legal entities.

合併 (gappei) means merger.

中間法人の廃止により、新しい制度が導入されました。

With the abolition of intermediate corporations, a new system was introduced.

中間法人 (chūkan hōjin) was a former legal category.

法人の破産手続きにおいて、債権者の権利が保護されます。

In the bankruptcy proceedings of a legal entity, the rights of creditors are protected.

破産 (hasan) means bankruptcy.

法人の権利能力は、定款で定められた目的の範囲内に限定されます。

The legal capacity of a legal entity is limited to the scope of the purposes defined in the articles of incorporation.

権利能力 (kenri nōryoku) means legal capacity.

法人擬制説に基づけば、法人は法律が作り出した架空の存在に過ぎません。

Based on the fiction theory of legal entities, a legal entity is merely an imaginary existence created by law.

法人擬制説 (hōjin giseisetsu) is a legal theory.

一方、法人実体説は、法人を社会的に実在する有機体と見なします。

On the other hand, the real entity theory views the legal entity as a socially existing organism.

法人実体説 (hōjin jittaisetsu) is the opposing theory.

法人の不法行為責任は、民法第44条に規定されています。

The tort liability of legal entities is prescribed in Article 44 of the Civil Code.

不法行為 (fuhō kōi) means tort or illegal act.

特定非営利活動法人の認証プロセスは厳格化されています。

The certification process for specified non-profit corporations has become more stringent.

特定非営利活動法人 is the full name for an NPO.

持分会社における法人の社員は、無限責任を負う場合があります。

Members of a legal entity in a partnership-type company may bear unlimited liability.

無限責任 (mugen sekinin) means unlimited liability.

法人の清算事務が完了し、登記が閉鎖されました。

The liquidation affairs of the legal entity were completed, and the registration was closed.

清算事務 (seisan jimu) means liquidation affairs.

法人の主観的意図をどのように認定するかが、刑事裁判での争点となります。

How to identify the subjective intent of a legal entity becomes a point of contention in criminal trials.

主観的意図 (shukanteki ito) means subjective intent.

公益法人制度改革により、従来の社団・財団法人は移行を余儀なくされました。

Due to the reform of the public interest corporation system, traditional associations and foundations were forced to transition.

余儀なくされた (yogi naku sareta) means 'was forced to'.

Synonyms

団体組織企業会社機関

Antonyms

個人自然人

Common Collocations

法人税

法人格

法人化

法人営業

法人契約

法人カード

法人窓口

学校法人

医療法人

宗教法人

Common Phrases

法人のお客様

— Corporate customers. Used in service industries to refer to business clients.

法人のお客様専用の入り口はこちらです。

法人名義

— In the name of the legal entity. Used for bank accounts or property titles.

車を法人名義で登録しました。

法人登記

— Corporate registration. The official act of registering an entity with the government.

法人登記の完了まで一週間かかります。

営利法人

— For-profit legal entity. Organizations aimed at making money.

株式会社は代表的な営利法人です。

非営利法人

— Non-profit legal entity. Organizations aimed at social or charitable goals.

NPOは非営利法人として活動しています。

法人番号

— Corporate number. A unique 13-digit identification number for entities in Japan.

書類に法人番号を記入してください。

法人の代表

— Representative of the legal entity. The person authorized to act for the company.

法人の代表として署名します。

法人会員

— Corporate membership. A membership type for organizations.

スポーツジムの法人会員になりました。

法人向け

— Aimed at/For legal entities. Used to describe products or services.

これは法人向けのソフトウェアです。

法人化のメリット

— The benefits of incorporation. Often discussed by small business owners.

法人化のメリットとデメリットを比較する。

Often Confused With

法人 vs 邦人 (hōjin)

Same pronunciation, but means 'Japanese national living abroad.' Context usually makes it clear.

法人 vs 法人格 (hōjinkaku)

Often used interchangeably, but 'hōjinkaku' specifically refers to the *status* or *personality* of being an entity.

法人 vs 法律人 (hōritsujin)

Means 'legal professional' (lawyer, etc.). Do not use this when you mean 'company.'

Idioms & Expressions

"法人格否認の法理"

— The doctrine of piercing the corporate veil. A legal concept where the court ignores corporate status.

濫用的な会社設立に対し、法人格否認の法理が適用された。

Legal

"法人の実体"

— The substance or reality of a legal entity. Refers to whether it actually functions or is just a shell.

その会社には法人の実体がないと判断された。

Formal

"法人としての社会的責任"

— Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR). The duty of entities to contribute positively to society.

現代では、法人としての社会的責任が重視されている。

Formal

"法人住民税の均等割"

— The per capita portion of corporate inhabitant tax. A fixed tax amount regardless of profit.

赤字でも法人住民税の均等割は支払う必要がある。

Technical/Tax

"法人の権利能力"

— The legal capacity of a legal entity. The extent of rights it can hold.

法人の権利能力は定款によって制限される。

Legal

"公法人と私法人"

— Public vs Private legal entities. A fundamental classification in administrative law.

公法人と私法人では適用される法律が異なる。

Academic

"法人成り"

— Changing from a sole proprietorship to a corporation. A common business transition.

売上が増えたので、法人成りを検討している。

Business/Colloquial

"清算法人"

— A legal entity in the process of liquidation. It exists only to wrap up its affairs.

解散した会社は、清算法人として残務処理を行う。

Legal

"法人格の取得"

— Acquisition of legal personality. The moment an organization becomes a legal entity.

登記によって法人格の取得が認められる。

Formal

"法人間取引"

— B2B transactions. Business conducted between two legal entities.

法人間取引では、請求書払いが一般的です。

Business

Easily Confused

法人 vs 会社 (kaisha)

Both refer to organizations.

Kaisha is a for-profit company. Hōjin is any legal entity, including schools and NPOs.

会社で働いていますが、この組織は学校法人です。(I work at the company [office], but this organization is an educational foundation.)

法人 vs 団体 (dantai)

Both mean 'group.'

Dantai is a general group. Hōjin is a group that is legally registered as a 'person.'

その団体はまだ法人化していません。(That group has not yet incorporated.)

法人 vs 組織 (soshiki)

Both refer to a structured group.

Soshiki refers to the internal structure. Hōjin refers to the external legal status.

法人の組織図を確認してください。(Please check the legal entity's organizational chart.)

法人 vs 個人 (kojin)

They are opposites on forms.

Kojin is a human being. Hōjin is an organization.

個人用口座と法人用口座は別です。(Personal accounts and corporate accounts are separate.)

法人 vs 事業主 (jigyōnushi)

Both relate to business owners.

Jigyōnushi is the person running the business. Hōjin is the business entity itself.

個人事業主から法人に移行した。(I moved from being a sole proprietor to a legal entity.)

Sentence Patterns

これは[法人]用です。

これは法人用です。(This is for corporate use.)

[法人]として[Verb]。

法人として契約します。(I will contract as a legal entity.)

[法人]に[法人税]が課される。

法人に法人税が課される。(Corporate tax is imposed on legal entities.)

[法人]の[権利]を[保護する]。

法人の権利を保護する。(Protect the rights of the legal entity.)

[法人]の[実体]が[問われる]。

法人の実体が問われる。(The substance of the legal entity is questioned.)

[法人格否認の法理]を[適用する]。

法人格否認の法理を適用する。(Apply the doctrine of piercing the corporate veil.)

[法人]向けの[サービス]を提供する。

法人向けのサービスを提供する。(Provide services for legal entities.)

[法人]化を[検討する]。

法人化を検討する。(Consider incorporation.)

Word Family

Nouns

法人格 (hōjinkaku) - legal personality

法人税 (hōjinzei) - corporate tax

法人化 (hōjinka) - incorporation

公法人 (kōhōjin) - public legal entity

私法人 (shihōjin) - private legal entity

Verbs

法人化する (hōjinka suru) - to incorporate

法人格を得る (hōjinkaku o eru) - to gain legal status

会社 (kaisha) - company

団体 (dantai) - organization

個人 (kojin) - individual

登記 (tōki) - registration

法律 (hōritsu) - law

How to Use It

frequency

High in business, government, and news contexts. Low in casual daily life.

Common Mistakes

Using '法人' to mean 'a lawyer'. → 弁護士 (bengoshi)
法人 is an entity/organization. A lawyer is a person who knows the law (法律人 or 弁護士).
Saying '私は法人です' when you mean you work for a company. → 私は会社員です (I am a company employee).
You cannot *be* a legal entity; you can only *represent* one or *work for* one.
Using 'kaisha' in a tax document where 'hōjin' is required. → 法人 (hōjin)
Tax documents require the precise legal term 'hōjin' because not all taxable entities are 'companies.'
Adding '-tachi' to pluralize 'hōjin'. → 複数の法人 (fukusū no hōjin)
'-tachi' is for groups of humans. For legal entities, use 'fukusū' or just the noun itself.
Confusing 'hōjin' with 'hōjin' (邦人). → Check the kanji: 法人 vs 邦人.
If you are talking about people living abroad, use 邦人. If talking about companies, use 法人.

Tips

Using 'Toshite'

Always use '法人として' (hōjin toshite) when you want to say you are acting in the capacity of the company rather than as yourself.

Trust Factor

In Japan, having '法人' status significantly increases your business's credibility with banks and large clients.

Homophone Alert

Be careful with '邦人' (hōjin - Japanese national abroad). It sounds identical but is written with different kanji.

B2B Sales

If you are in sales, learn the term '法人営業' (hōjin eigyō). It is the standard term for B2B sales.

Legal Personality

Remember that '法人格' (hōjinkaku) is the term for the 'status' of being a legal entity. Use it when discussing rights and duties.

Kanji Breakdown

Break it down: 法 (Law) + 人 (Person). It's a person created by law. This makes the meaning easy to remember.

Bank Windows

Look for the '法人窓口' sign at the bank to save time; it's specifically for business transactions.

Corporate Tax

Learn '法人税' (hōjinzei) early if you plan to do business in Japan, as it is a major part of financial planning.

Corporate Leases

A '法人契約' (hōjin keiyaku) for an apartment often requires different paperwork than a personal lease.

Official Forms

On forms, '法人' is usually the box you check if you are representing a company or organization.

Memorize It

Mnemonic

Think of 'Hō' as Law (like 'Hōritsu') and 'Jin' as Person (like 'Nihonjin'). A 'Law-Person' is a company that the law treats like a human!

Visual Association

Imagine a large office building wearing a suit and tie, holding a briefcase, and signing a giant contract. It's a 'building-person' or a 法人.

Word Web

Law (法) Person (人) Company (会社) Tax (税) Contract (契約) NPO Bank (銀行) Registration (登記)

Challenge

Try to find three different types of 法人 on business signs in your neighborhood (e.g., 株式会社, 学校法人, 医療法人).

Word Origin

The term 法人 was created in the late 19th century (Meiji period) as a translation for the German legal term 'Juristische Person.' During this era, Japan was rapidly modernizing its legal system based on European models.

Original meaning: A 'person' created and recognized by 'law.'

Sino-Japanese (Kango)

Cultural Context

When discussing '宗教法人' (religious corporations), be aware that this can be a sensitive topic in Japan due to historical scandals and tax-exempt status debates.

In English-speaking countries, we usually say 'corporation,' 'legal entity,' or 'incorporated body.' While '法人' covers all these, the Japanese term is used more broadly in everyday administrative life.

The Companies Act of Japan (会社法) NPO Law (特定非営利活動促進法) The Civil Code of Japan (民法)

Practice in Real Life

Real-World Contexts

Banking

法人口座を開設する
法人カードの審査
法人窓口はどちらですか？
法人名義の振込

Taxation

法人税を計算する
法人住民税の納付
法人番号を記入する
節税のために法人化する

Law/Contracts

法人として契約を結ぶ
法人格を取得する
法人の代表者印
法人の解散手続き

Business Sales (B2B)

法人営業を担当する
法人向けのプラン
法人会員の特典
ターゲットは法人です

Education/Healthcare

学校法人の運営
医療法人の理事長
宗教法人の非課税
社会福祉法人の設立

Conversation Starters

"法人と個人のどちらで契約されますか？ (Will you contract as an individual or a legal entity?)"

"法人化することの最大のメリットは何だと思いますか？ (What do you think is the biggest benefit of incorporating?)"

"こちらのサービスは法人向けですか、それとも個人向けですか？ (Is this service for businesses or individuals?)"

"法人税の増税についてどうお考えですか？ (What are your thoughts on the corporate tax increase?)"

"NPO法人を立ち上げるのは難しいでしょうか？ (Is it difficult to start a non-profit organization?)"

Journal Prompts

もし自分が法人を作るとしたら、どんな目的の組織にしますか？ (If you were to create a legal entity, what would be its purpose?)

日本の「学校法人」と自分の国の教育機関の違いを書いてください。 (Write about the differences between Japanese 'educational foundations' and educational institutions in your country.)

会社が「人」として扱われることについて、あなたの意見を述べてください。 (State your opinion on companies being treated as 'persons.')

法人営業（B2B）と個人営業（B2C）、どちらが自分に向いていると思いますか？ (Which do you think suits you better: corporate sales or individual sales?)

最近ニュースで見た法人の不祥事について、その責任は誰にあるか考察してください。 (Reflect on a corporate scandal you saw in the news recently and who is responsible.)

Frequently Asked Questions

10 questions

No, a freelancer is typically a 個人事業主 (kojin jigyōnushi - sole proprietor). They only become a 法人 if they go through the legal process of incorporation (法人化).

The most common type is the 株式会社 (kabushiki gaisha - joint-stock company). Other common types include 合同会社 (gōdō gaisha) and NPO法人.

法人 is used in legal, tax, and official administrative contexts because it is more precise and covers non-profit organizations that are not 'companies' (kaisha).

No, different types of 法人 have different tax rates. For example, NPO法人 and 宗教法人 often receive tax exemptions for their non-profit activities.

It is a 13-digit identification number assigned to every registered legal entity in Japan, similar to a social security number for companies.

Yes, because a 法人 has legal personality, it can be a defendant in a lawsuit independently of its employees or owners.

It means 'incorporation.' It is the process where a private individual or an informal group registers with the government to become a legal entity.

Yes, the national government and local municipalities are classified as 公法人 (kōhōjin - public legal entities).

Yes, one of the primary rights of a 法人 is the ability to own property, including real estate, in its own name.

Look for terms like '株式会社' or '有限会社' in their official name. You can also check the national corporate registry using their name.