Translation guide
The English word "killer" can refer to a person who kills, a murderer, a hired assassin, or something that causes death. It is also used informally to describe something extremely difficult, impressive, or excellent. This guide covers the main meanings and their natural Japanese equivalents.
Referring to someone who has killed a person, especially in a criminal context.
Standard term for a murderer or someone who has committed murder. Used in news and legal contexts.
警察は殺人犯を逮捕した。
The police arrested the killer.
A more direct and somewhat blunt term for a killer or murderer. Can sound harsh or emotional.
彼は人殺しだ。
He is a killer.
Formal term for a killer, often used in legal or official documents. Less common in everyday speech.
殺害者は現場から逃走した。
The killer fled the scene.
Referring to a person who kills for money or as a profession.
Common term for a hitman or professional killer, often used in fiction and crime contexts.
彼は殺し屋に狙われている。
He is being targeted by a killer.
Assassin, especially one who kills a prominent person. Often used in historical or political contexts.
Loanword from English, used specifically for a hired killer, often in organized crime.
Referring to a disease, animal, object, or substance that kills.
Adjective meaning lethal or deadly. Used for diseases, poisons, etc.
これは致死性の毒だ。
This is a killer poison.
Literally 'to take a life', used to describe something that kills.
その病気は多くの命を奪った。
The disease was a killer.
Loanword used in compounds like 'シリアルキラー' (serial killer) or 'キラーウイルス' (killer virus). Not used alone for this meaning.
Describing a task, situation, or experience that is very hard to endure.
Adjective meaning tough, demanding, or exhausting. Commonly used for work, schedules, or physical strain.
今日の仕事はきつかった。
Work today was a killer.
Literally 'tough enough to die', a hyperbolic way to say something is a killer.
この宿題は死ぬほど大変だ。
This homework is a killer.
Adjective meaning murderous or brutal, used for schedules, heat, etc. Somewhat dramatic.
殺人的なスケジュールだ。
It's a killer schedule.
Informal use to describe something very good, cool, or amazing.
General word for amazing or great. Can be used in many contexts.
そのギターソロはすごかった！
That guitar solo was killer!
Means 'the best' or 'awesome'. Fits well for things like performances or food.
Slang term that can mean both 'dangerous' and 'amazing'. Context-dependent.
When using 'killer' as slang for 'excellent', do not directly translate it as 殺し屋 or 殺人犯. Use natural Japanese intensifiers like すごい or 最高 instead.
その映画、最高だった！
That movie was killer!
殺人犯 is the standard legal/media term for a murderer. 人殺し is more direct and emotional, often used in accusations. 殺し屋 specifically means a professional hitman. Choose based on context.
殺人犯は終身刑を宣告された。
The killer was sentenced to life in prison.
あのハイキングは本当にきつかった。
That hike was a real killer.
彼女の笑顔は最高だ。
She has a killer smile.
大統領は暗殺者に撃たれた。
The president was shot by a killer.
He is a mafia killer.
A killer virus is spreading.
このラーメン、最高！
This ramen is killer!
Isn't this song killer?