Translation guide
A serious crime, typically punishable by imprisonment for more than one year or death. In Japanese, the concept is expressed through terms for serious crimes, but the legal systems differ, so direct translation is not always straightforward.
To refer to a felony as a category of serious crime, often in contrast to misdemeanors.
The most direct translation for 'felony', meaning a serious crime. Used in legal contexts and general discussion.
彼は重罪で起訴された。
He was indicted for a felony.
Literally 'serious crime', often used in legal or formal contexts to refer to felonies.
重犯罪の件数が増加している。
The number of felonies is increasing.
To name specific crimes that are considered felonies, such as murder, robbery, or arson.
Murder/homicide, a typical felony.
殺人は最も重い罪の一つだ。
Murder is one of the most serious felonies.
Robbery/burglary, often a felony.
Arson, a serious felony.
To explain the difference between felonies and less serious crimes, which is not a native Japanese legal distinction.
Japanese law does not have a direct felony/misdemeanor split, but these terms are used to translate the concepts. Note that 軽罪 is less common and may require explanation.
アメリカでは、犯罪は重罪と軽罪に分けられる。
In the US, crimes are divided into felonies and misdemeanors.
Japan's legal system does not categorize crimes as felonies and misdemeanors in the same way as common law systems. Instead, crimes are defined by specific statutes with their own penalties. When discussing 'felony' in a Japanese context, it's often better to refer to the specific crime or use 重罪 with an explanation.
彼は強盗の罪で10年の刑を受けた。
He received a 10-year sentence for the felony of robbery.
Arson is treated as a felony.