Translation guide
The English word "crime" covers illegal acts, criminal activity as a concept, and figurative uses. In Japanese, the most common equivalent is 犯罪 (はんざい), but other words like 罪 (つみ) and 犯行 (はんこう) are used depending on context. This guide helps learners choose the right expression.
Referring to a specific criminal act, such as theft, murder, or fraud.
The most general and common word for 'crime' as an illegal act. Used in legal, news, and everyday contexts.
彼は犯罪を犯した。
He committed a crime.
この地域では犯罪が増えている。
Crime is increasing in this area.
Often means 'sin' or 'guilt', but can refer to a crime, especially in moral or religious contexts, or in set phrases.
罪 can sound more moral/religious than legal. For legal crimes, 犯罪 is safer.
彼は自分の罪を認めた。
He admitted his crime.
Refers to the act of committing a crime, often used in news reports or formal contexts.
犯行の動機は不明だ。
The motive for the crime is unknown.
Talking about crime as a social phenomenon, or the concept of illegal behavior.
Used for crime in the abstract sense, such as 'crime rate' or 'fight against crime'.
Can be used in abstract or moral discussions, but less common for statistical or legal contexts.
罪のない人々が苦しんでいる。
Innocent people are suffering. (lit. people without crime/sin)
Calling something a 'crime' to express strong disapproval, e.g., 'It's a crime to waste food.'
A direct figurative use, often in casual speech. It can sound a bit strong or humorous.
この料理を捨てるのは犯罪だ。
Throwing away this food is a crime.
Means 'I can't forgive ...', often used when 'crime' is used figuratively to express outrage.
こんな美しい景色を壊すなんて許せない。
It's a crime to destroy such a beautiful view. (lit. I can't forgive destroying...)
Used when 'crime' implies wastefulness. もったいない expresses regret over waste.
こんな才能を生かさないのはもったいない。
It's a crime not to use such talent. (lit. It's wasteful not to use...)
犯罪 (はんざい) is the standard word for 'crime' in legal and everyday contexts. 罪 (つみ) leans toward 'sin' or 'guilt' and is used in moral/religious contexts or set phrases like 罪を犯す (to commit a crime/sin). 犯行 (はんこう) specifically refers to the criminal act itself, often used in news reports (e.g., 犯行現場 crime scene).
In figurative uses like 'It's a crime to...', a direct translation with 犯罪 can sound overly dramatic or unnatural. Consider rephrasing with expressions like もったいない, 許せない, or ひどい depending on the nuance.