Translation guide
The English word 'criminal' can be a noun (a person who commits crimes) or an adjective (relating to crime). This guide covers both uses, with natural Japanese equivalents.
Referring to someone who has committed a crime, especially in a legal or general sense.
The most direct and common translation for 'criminal' as a person who has committed a crime. Neutral and widely used.
彼は犯罪者として逮捕された。
He was arrested as a criminal.
Often used for the perpetrator of a specific crime, especially in news or police contexts. Closer to 'culprit' or 'offender'.
警察は犯人を追っている。
The police are pursuing the criminal.
A more literary or old-fashioned term for a sinner or criminal. Can carry moral or religious connotations.
彼は罪人として裁かれた。
He was judged as a criminal.
Describing something connected with crime, such as behavior, law, or investigation.
The standard way to say 'criminal' as an adjective. Attach to a noun using の.
犯罪行為は許されない。
Criminal acts are not tolerated.
彼は犯罪歴がある。
He has a criminal record.
Used in legal contexts to mean 'criminal' as opposed to civil. Formal.
刑事上の責任を問う。
To hold someone criminally responsible.
Used informally to criticize something as terrible or outrageous.
In casual speech, 'criminal' as an intensifier is not directly translated. Instead, use words like ひどい (terrible) or 最低な (the worst).
その値段はひどいよ。
That price is criminal. → That price is terrible.
In English, we might say 'That's criminal!' to mean something is shockingly bad. Japanese does not use 犯罪的 (はんざいてき) in this casual way. Use ひどい or 最低 instead.