Translation guide
The English word "delinquent" can refer to a person (especially a young person) who commits minor crimes or misbehaves, or to behavior that is negligent or overdue. In Japanese, the most common equivalent for a young offender is 不良, but other terms exist for different contexts.
Referring to a juvenile delinquent or a young troublemaker, often in school or street contexts.
Describing a person or entity that fails to fulfill an obligation, such as paying taxes or debts.
When describing a person as 'delinquent' in the sense of negligent, using 不良 directly would be unnatural. 不良 primarily means juvenile delinquent. For negligent behavior, use 怠慢な or rephrase with a verb like 怠る (to neglect).
He was a delinquent in high school.
あのグループは不良の集まりだ。
That group is a bunch of delinquents.
A more formal or legal term for a juvenile delinquent, often used in official contexts like police reports or news.
非行少年の更生プログラムが重要だ。
Rehabilitation programs for juvenile delinquents are important.
A slang term for a rebellious youth, often associated with a specific subculture (pompadour hairstyles, modified school uniforms, etc.). More specific than 不良 and carries a strong cultural image.
あのヤンキーたちはいつもたむろしている。
Those delinquents are always hanging around.
Specifically a delinquent boy. Slightly more explicit than 不良 alone, but less common in casual speech.
近所に不良少年がいる。
There's a delinquent boy in the neighborhood.
A person who is delinquent on payments, especially taxes or rent. Commonly used in official contexts.
税金の滞納者には罰則がある。
There are penalties for tax delinquents.
An adjective meaning negligent or remiss, used to describe a person's attitude or behavior. Can be used in phrases like 怠慢な態度 (delinquent attitude).
彼の怠慢な仕事ぶりが問題だ。
His delinquent work habits are a problem.
A phrase meaning to neglect one's duties or obligations. More formal and less common in everyday speech.
彼は納税の義務を怠った。
He was delinquent in his duty to pay taxes.