Translation guide
The concept of sin in Japanese is expressed through words that carry different nuances, from religious wrongdoing to moral transgression and crime. The most common and versatile term is 罪 (tsumi), but context determines whether you use a native Japanese word, a Sino-Japanese compound, or a more specific term.
To refer to a sin in the broad sense of a moral or ethical transgression, or an act that goes against divine law or social norms.
The most common and general word for sin, crime, or offense. It can be used in both religious and secular contexts. Often appears in set phrases.
Refers to sin or crime with a stronger emphasis on the evil nature of the act. Often used in compounds like 罪悪感 (sense of guilt).
罪悪感に苛まれる
to be tormented by a sense of guilt
A Buddhist term for sinful acts that produce bad karma. Used in religious or philosophical contexts.
罪業を積む
to accumulate sinful karma
To refer to a sin in the sense of a crime punishable by law.
The standard word for crime or criminal offense. Not inherently religious.
彼は犯罪を犯した。
He committed a crime.
Can also mean crime, especially in set phrases or when the context is clear. Less technical than 犯罪.
罪を認める
to admit one's guilt / to plead guilty
To refer specifically to the Christian doctrine of original sin.
To distinguish between mortal and venial sins in Catholic theology.
Mortal sin in Catholic theology. Also used more generally for a grave offense.
大罪を犯す
to commit a mortal sin
Venial sin in Catholic theology. A less serious sin.
小罪は大罪ほど重くない。
Venial sins are not as serious as mortal sins.
To describe the state of being sinful or tainted by sin.
To express the action of sinning.
The most common way to say 'to sin' or 'to commit a sin.' The verb 犯す means to commit or perpetrate.
人は誰でも罪を犯す。
Everyone sins.
To sin repeatedly, to accumulate sins. Literally 'to pile up sins.'
彼は罪を重ねた。
He committed sin after sin.
To talk about forgiving sins or atoning for them.
Forgiveness of sins, often used in Christian contexts. 赦し is a more formal/religious term for forgiveness than 許し.
罪の赦しを求める
to seek forgiveness of sins
To atone for a sin, to make amends. Used in both religious and secular contexts.
彼は自分の罪を償おうとした。
He tried to atone for his sins.
To refer to a minor sin or fault, often in a self-deprecating or apologetic way.
Mistake, error, fault. Can be used for a moral failing or sin, but softer than 罪. Often implies a lapse in judgment.
若気の過ち
youthful indiscretion / a mistake of youth
Fault, blame, offense. A somewhat literary or formal term for a sin or transgression.
咎を負う
to bear the blame
The English word 'sin' is sometimes borrowed as シン (shin) in Japanese, but this is mainly used in the context of trigonometry (sine) or as a name. It is not used to mean moral sin. Always use 罪 or another appropriate term.
罪 (tsumi) is a broader term covering sin, crime, and guilt, often with moral or religious overtones. 犯罪 (hanzai) specifically refers to a legal crime. In everyday conversation, 罪 is more common for personal failings, while 犯罪 is used for police reports and news.
罪 is often used in lighthearted or exaggerated ways, similar to 'sin' in English phrases like 'it's a sin to waste food.' For example, 食べ物を捨てるのは罪だ (Throwing away food is a sin).
彼は自分の罪を告白した。
He confessed his sins.
そんなことを考えるのは罪ですか？
Is it a sin to think such things?