Translation guide
A person who does something wrong, illegal, or immoral. Japanese has several words depending on the type of wrongdoing, context, and formality.
A person who commits a wrong or offense, often in a legal or moral sense.
A general term for a bad person or wrongdoer. Can be used in both serious and casual contexts.
A person who does something morally wrong, often with religious or ethical connotations.
A sinner or criminal; carries a strong moral or religious weight. Can be used figuratively.
A person who breaks rules, laws, or regulations.
A violator or offender, especially of rules, traffic laws, or regulations. Neutral and formal.
悪人 is a general 'bad person', not necessarily a criminal. 犯罪者 specifically means someone who committed a crime. 加害者 is used when there is a clear victim, like in assault or accidents.
Directly translating 'wrongdoer' as 悪いことをする人 is understandable but unnatural. Use the specific terms above depending on context.
彼は悪人ではない。
He is not a wrongdoer.
Specifically a criminal, someone who has committed a crime. More formal and legal than 悪人.
その犯罪者は逮捕された。
The wrongdoer was arrested.
Perpetrator, especially in the context of causing harm to a victim. Often used in legal or news reports.
加害者はまだ見つかっていない。
The wrongdoer has not been found yet.
彼は罪人として裁かれた。
He was judged as a wrongdoer.
A bad guy, villain, or wrongdoer. More colloquial and often used in stories or everyday speech.
あの悪者を捕まえろ！
Catch that wrongdoer!
違反者には罰金が科せられる。
Wrongdoers will be fined.
The culprit or perpetrator of a specific incident. Common in crime contexts.
犯人はまだ逃走中だ。
The wrongdoer is still at large.