At the A1 level, learners are introduced to the word 犯罪 (hanzai) primarily as a basic vocabulary item meaning 'crime.' While A1 learners may not engage in complex legal discussions, recognizing this word is essential for understanding simple news headlines, warnings, or basic descriptions of events. The focus at this stage is on simple recognition and association with the concept of doing something bad that is against the law. Learners should understand that 犯罪 is a noun. They might encounter it in simple sentences like '犯罪はだめです' (Crime is bad) or '犯罪が起きました' (A crime happened). At this level, it is not necessary to master the complex verb collocations like 犯す (okasu), but rather to build a foundational understanding that this word relates to police, laws, and bad actions. It is a stepping stone to more advanced vocabulary. A1 learners should also practice recognizing the kanji characters visually, even if they cannot write them from memory yet, as they appear frequently in public signs related to safety and crime prevention. Understanding this word helps beginners navigate basic societal concepts in Japanese.
At the A2 level, learners begin to use 犯罪 (hanzai) in more structured sentences and start to learn its essential collocations. The most important addition at this stage is the verb 犯す (okasu). Learners must transition from thinking 'do a crime' to understanding the specific phrase 犯罪を犯す (to commit a crime). They will also start to see the word combined with other basic vocabulary, such as 犯罪者 (hanzaisha - criminal). At this level, learners can understand and produce simple sentences describing past events, such as '彼は犯罪を犯しました' (He committed a crime) or express basic opinions like '犯罪を減らしたいです' (I want to reduce crime). They will encounter the word more frequently in graded reading materials, simple news broadcasts, and daily conversations about safety. The focus is on using the word correctly in standard sentence patterns and expanding the related vocabulary network to include words like 警察 (keisatsu - police) and 逮捕 (taiho - arrest). Mastery at the A2 level means being able to communicate basic facts and opinions about criminal activities using the correct grammatical structures.
At the B1 level, the understanding and usage of 犯罪 (hanzai) become significantly more nuanced and expansive. Learners are expected to handle a wider variety of compound words and related terminology. They will frequently encounter terms like 犯罪率 (hanzairitsu - crime rate), 犯罪現場 (hanzai genba - crime scene), and 防犯 (bouhan - crime prevention). At this stage, learners can engage in more complex discussions about the causes and effects of crime, using conditional clauses and expressing detailed opinions. For example, they might say, '貧困が犯罪の原因になることがあります' (Poverty can sometimes be the cause of crime). They will also start to differentiate 犯罪 from related words like 事件 (jiken - incident) and 罪 (tsumi - sin/guilt), understanding the specific legal connotation of 犯罪. Reading comprehension at the B1 level involves understanding news articles and reports where 犯罪 is a central theme. Learners should be comfortable discussing societal issues related to crime, such as the effectiveness of the police or the importance of community safety, using appropriate vocabulary and grammar.
At the B2 level, learners achieve a high degree of fluency and accuracy when using 犯罪 (hanzai). They are capable of reading authentic Japanese news articles, opinion pieces, and literature where the word is used in sophisticated contexts. They can understand and use specialized vocabulary related to different types of crime, such as 凶悪犯罪 (kyouaku hanzai - heinous crime), 組織犯罪 (soshiki hanzai - organized crime), and サイバー犯罪 (saibaa hanzai - cybercrime). B2 learners can articulate complex arguments regarding the justice system, criminal psychology, and social policy. They might discuss topics like the rehabilitation of offenders or the impact of technology on modern crime. Their use of collocations is natural and precise, employing verbs like 取り締まる (torishimaru - to crack down on) and 裁く (sabaku - to judge/try). Furthermore, they can understand the subtle nuances and tone associated with the word in various media, distinguishing between objective reporting and subjective commentary. Mastery at this level implies the ability to participate fully in adult-level conversations and debates about crime and society in Japanese.
At the C1 level, learners possess an advanced, near-native command of the word 犯罪 (hanzai) and its extensive semantic network. They can comprehend highly technical, legal, and academic texts that discuss crime in depth. This includes understanding the precise legal definitions, the historical context of criminal law in Japan, and complex sociological theories regarding criminal behavior. C1 learners can effortlessly use highly specific terminology, such as 犯罪構成要件 (hanzai kousei youken - elements of a crime) or 犯罪心理学 (hanzaishinrigaku - criminal psychology). They can engage in sophisticated debates, write persuasive essays, and deliver presentations on topics related to crime, justice, and social policy, using elegant and precise language. They are fully aware of the register and tone required when discussing such serious matters, adapting their language perfectly to formal, academic, or professional settings. Their understanding goes beyond mere vocabulary; it encompasses a deep cultural and societal comprehension of how crime is perceived, managed, and discussed in contemporary Japan.
At the C2 level, the learner's understanding of 犯罪 (hanzai) is indistinguishable from that of a highly educated native speaker. They can navigate the most complex and obscure legal documents, academic treatises, and literary works with ease. They possess a profound understanding of the etymology of the kanji and the historical evolution of the concept of crime in Japanese society. C2 learners can critically analyze discourse surrounding crime, identifying subtle biases, rhetorical strategies, and ideological nuances in media reports, political speeches, and legal judgments. They can articulate highly original and complex thoughts on the philosophy of law, the ethics of punishment, and the future of crime prevention, using an exceptionally rich and varied vocabulary. They can seamlessly integrate idioms, historical references, and specialized jargon into their speech and writing. At this pinnacle of proficiency, the word 犯罪 is merely one tool in a vast and perfectly mastered linguistic repertoire, used with absolute precision, elegance, and cultural sensitivity.

犯罪 in 30 Sekunden

  • Means 'crime' or 'criminal offense' in Japanese.
  • Used strictly for legal violations, not moral sins.
  • Always paired with the verb 犯す (okasu) to mean 'commit'.
  • Highly common in news, legal contexts, and daily conversation.

The Japanese word 犯罪 (hanzai) fundamentally translates to the English concept of 'crime' or 'criminal offense.' In the context of Japanese linguistics and legal terminology, it represents an act that violates the established laws of the state and is therefore subject to formal punishment, penalties, or legal repercussions. Understanding this word requires looking at its two constituent kanji characters, which provide a deep, etymological insight into its meaning. The first character, 犯 (han), carries the meaning of 'to commit,' 'to perpetrate,' or 'to violate.' It is often seen in words related to breaking rules or crossing boundaries. The second character, 罪 (zai), translates to 'sin,' 'guilt,' 'fault,' or 'crime.' When combined, these two characters form a compound noun that literally means 'the commission of a sin' or 'the perpetration of a guilty act,' which perfectly encapsulates the modern legal definition of a crime. This term is used universally across all levels of Japanese society, from everyday news broadcasts and casual conversations to highly formal legal documents, academic papers, and judicial proceedings. It encompasses the entire spectrum of illegal activities, ranging from minor infractions and misdemeanors, such as petty theft or vandalism, to severe felonies, including assault, fraud, and murder. The concept of 犯罪 is deeply intertwined with the Japanese societal emphasis on harmony, order, and adherence to rules. Therefore, the occurrence of a 犯罪 is not just a legal issue but also a significant social disruption. When learning this word, it is crucial to understand that it can refer to both the abstract, general concept of criminal activity (e.g., 'Crime is increasing in the city') and a specific, individual criminal act (e.g., 'He committed a crime'). The versatility of this word makes it an essential vocabulary item for anyone studying Japanese, particularly those interested in reading the news, watching Japanese dramas or movies, or discussing social issues. Furthermore, the word serves as a foundational building block for numerous related terms and compound words, such as 犯罪者 (hanzaisha - criminal/offender), 犯罪率 (hanzairitsu - crime rate), and 犯罪心理学 (hanzaishinrigaku - criminal psychology). By mastering the usage and nuances of 犯罪, learners can significantly enhance their ability to comprehend complex narratives and articulate their thoughts on a wide range of topics related to law, morality, and society.

Legal Definition
An action or omission that constitutes an offense and is punishable by law.
Societal View
A disruption of social harmony and order that requires correction and justice.
Linguistic Structure
A compound of 'commit' (犯) and 'sin/guilt' (罪).

彼は恐ろしい犯罪を犯した。

He committed a terrible crime.

この地域は犯罪が少ない。

This area has little crime.

犯罪を防ぐための対策が必要です。

Measures to prevent crime are necessary.

警察は犯罪の捜査を開始した。

The police started the investigation of the crime.

若者の犯罪が増加している。

Youth crime is increasing.

Using the word 犯罪 (hanzai) correctly in Japanese requires an understanding of its grammatical function as a noun and the specific verbs and particles it commonly pairs with. Because it represents a formal and serious concept, its usage is generally straightforward but highly structured. The most critical collocation to learn is the phrase used to express the act of committing a crime. In Japanese, you do not 'do' a crime (犯罪をする is generally incorrect or sounds very unnatural); instead, you use the specific verb 犯す (okasu), which means to commit, perpetrate, or violate. Therefore, the standard phrase is 犯罪を犯す (hanzai o okasu - to commit a crime). This is a vital phrase for learners of all levels. When discussing the prevention or reduction of crime, the word is often paired with verbs like 防ぐ (fusegu - to prevent), 減らす (herasu - to reduce), or なくす (nakusu - to eliminate). For example, 犯罪を防ぐ (hanzai o fusegu) means 'to prevent crime.' In the context of law enforcement and the judicial system, you will frequently encounter phrases such as 犯罪を捜査する (hanzai o sousa suru - to investigate a crime), 犯罪を取り締まる (hanzai o torishimaru - to crack down on crime), and 犯罪を裁く (hanzai o sabaku - to judge/try a crime). It is also common to use 犯罪 as a modifier by attaching it to other nouns to create compound words. This is extremely prevalent in news reporting. Examples include 犯罪現場 (hanzai genba - crime scene), 犯罪組織 (hanzai soshiki - criminal organization), 犯罪被害者 (hanzai higaisha - crime victim), and 犯罪歴 (hanzaireki - criminal record). When talking about the prevalence of crime, the term 犯罪率 (hanzairitsu - crime rate) is used, often with adjectives like 高い (takai - high) or 低い (hikui - low). Furthermore, 犯罪 can be categorized into various types by adding prefixes or combining it with other descriptive nouns, such as 凶悪犯罪 (kyouaku hanzai - heinous crime), 少年犯罪 (shounen hanzai - juvenile crime), サイバー犯罪 (saibaa hanzai - cybercrime), and 組織犯罪 (soshiki hanzai - organized crime). Understanding these collocations and compound forms is essential for achieving fluency and sounding natural when discussing legal or social issues in Japanese. The word is typically used in objective, descriptive, or formal contexts, making it a staple of journalistic and academic writing. While it can be used in casual conversation when discussing news or events, its tone remains inherently serious due to the weight of the subject matter.

Verb Pairing
Always use 犯す (okasu) to say 'commit a crime': 犯罪を犯す.
Compound Nouns
Easily combines with other nouns: 犯罪者 (criminal), 犯罪率 (crime rate).
Descriptive Usage
Used with adjectives to describe the nature of the crime: 凶悪な犯罪 (heinous crime).

彼は犯罪を犯して逮捕された。

He committed a crime and was arrested.

警察は犯罪現場を封鎖した。

The police sealed off the crime scene.

サイバー犯罪が深刻な問題となっている。

Cybercrime has become a serious problem.

私たちは犯罪のない社会を目指すべきだ。

We should aim for a society without crime.

その犯罪組織はついに壊滅した。

That criminal organization was finally destroyed.

The word 犯罪 (hanzai) is ubiquitous in Japanese media and daily life, appearing in a wide variety of contexts ranging from formal news broadcasts to casual conversations about current events. One of the most common places you will hear this word is on television news programs (ニュース番組 - nyuusu bangumi) and in newspapers (新聞 - shinbun). Japanese news media extensively covers domestic and international incidents, and the term 犯罪 is the standard, objective word used by anchors, reporters, and journalists to describe illegal acts. Whether it is a report on a local theft, a major corporate fraud scandal, or an international cyberattack, the word 犯罪 will almost certainly be used. Furthermore, you will frequently encounter this word in Japanese popular culture, particularly in police dramas (刑事ドラマ - keiji dorama), mystery novels (推理小説 - suiri shousetsu), and detective anime or manga (such as Detective Conan or Death Note). In these fictional contexts, characters like detectives, police officers, and lawyers use the word 犯罪 constantly when discussing cases, motives, and suspects. Phrases like '完全犯罪' (kanzen hanzai - perfect crime) are popular tropes in these genres. Beyond media and entertainment, the word is heavily used in official and governmental contexts. Police departments, government ministries, and local municipalities use the term in public safety announcements, crime prevention campaigns (防犯キャンペーン - bouhan kyanpeen), and statistical reports. For instance, you might see posters at train stations or in neighborhoods urging citizens to be vigilant against specific types of 犯罪, such as bicycle theft or phone scams (特殊詐欺 - tokushu sagi). In academic and educational settings, the word is central to discussions in sociology, law, psychology, and political science. Students and professors analyze the causes of 犯罪, the effectiveness of the penal system, and the societal impacts of criminal behavior. Even in everyday conversation among friends or colleagues, the word might come up when discussing a shocking news story, expressing concern about the safety of a particular neighborhood, or debating social issues. While it is a serious word, its widespread use across all levels of society makes it an unavoidable and essential part of the Japanese vocabulary. Recognizing the contexts in which 犯罪 is used will help learners understand the tone and gravity of the conversation, as well as the cultural attitudes towards law and order in Japan.

News Media
Standard terminology used in newspapers, TV news, and online journalism to report illegal acts.
Pop Culture
Frequently heard in detective anime, police dramas, and mystery novels.
Public Safety
Used in government warnings, police posters, and community crime prevention campaigns.

今日のニュースで恐ろしい犯罪について報道されていた。

A terrible crime was reported on today's news.

このドラマは、警察が犯罪組織と戦う物語です。

This drama is a story about the police fighting a criminal organization.

駅のポスターで犯罪への注意が呼びかけられている。

Attention to crime is being called for on the station posters.

彼は完全犯罪を計画した。

He planned the perfect crime.

大学で犯罪社会学を専攻しています。

I am majoring in criminal sociology at university.

When Japanese learners begin using the word 犯罪 (hanzai), there are several common pitfalls and mistakes they might encounter, primarily related to verb collocations, nuance, and confusion with similar-sounding or related words. The most frequent and glaring mistake is attempting to use the generic verb する (suru - to do) with 犯罪. Many learners logically assume that 'to do a crime' translates to 犯罪をする (hanzai o suru). However, this sounds highly unnatural and incorrect to native Japanese speakers. The strict, correct collocation is 犯罪を犯す (hanzai o okasu - to commit a crime). The verb 犯す specifically carries the meaning of violating a law, rule, or moral boundary, making it the only appropriate choice. Another common mistake involves confusing 犯罪 with the word 罪 (tsumi). While 罪 is the second kanji in 犯罪 and means 'sin,' 'guilt,' or 'crime,' it has a broader, more moral or religious connotation compared to the strictly legal definition of 犯罪. For example, lying to a friend might be considered a 罪 (sin/fault) in a moral sense, but it is not a 犯罪 (crime) unless it involves legal fraud. Using 犯罪 to describe minor moral failings is a significant overstatement. Furthermore, learners sometimes confuse 犯罪 with 事件 (jiken), which means 'incident,' 'case,' or 'event.' While many 事件 reported in the news are indeed 犯罪 (crimes), the word 事件 itself simply means an event that has occurred, often one that causes a public stir. A traffic accident (交通事故 - koutsuu jiko) might be reported as a 事件, but it is not necessarily a 犯罪 unless negligence or malice is involved. Therefore, saying 'a crime happened' using 犯罪が起きた (hanzai ga okita) is grammatically correct, but native speakers often prefer 事件が起きた (jiken ga okita - an incident occurred) when referring to a specific news event, reserving 犯罪 for the abstract concept of the illegal act itself. Lastly, pronunciation mistakes can occur. The word is pronounced 'hanzai' (はんざい), not 'hansei' (はんせい - which means reflection/regret) or 'hanzai' with a different pitch accent. Ensuring the correct pronunciation and understanding these nuanced differences in vocabulary and collocations will greatly improve a learner's accuracy and naturalness when discussing legal and societal topics in Japanese.

Wrong Verb
Using 犯罪をする (hanzai o suru) instead of the correct 犯罪を犯す (hanzai o okasu).
Confusing with Tsumi
Using 犯罪 (legal crime) when 罪 (moral sin/fault) is more appropriate.
Confusing with Jiken
Failing to distinguish between 犯罪 (the illegal act) and 事件 (the incident/case as reported).

❌ 彼は犯罪をした。
⭕ 彼は犯罪を犯した。

Correction: Use okasu, not suru.

❌ 嘘をつくのは犯罪だ。(日常の小さな嘘の場合)
⭕ 嘘をつくのは罪だ。

Correction: Use tsumi for moral sins, not hanzai.

❌ 昨日、近所で犯罪がありました。
⭕ 昨日、近所で事件がありました。

Correction: Jiken is more natural for a specific incident.

犯罪を起こす。
犯罪を犯す / 事件を起こす。

Correction: Match the correct verbs to the nouns.

❌ 彼の犯罪は許されない。(道徳的な間違いの場合)
⭕ 彼の行為は許されない。

Correction: Use koui (act) if it's not strictly illegal.

To fully grasp the nuances of 犯罪 (hanzai), it is highly beneficial to explore similar and related words in the Japanese vocabulary. Understanding these synonyms and related terms allows for more precise communication and a deeper comprehension of legal and societal discussions. One of the most closely related words is 罪 (tsumi). As mentioned previously, while 犯罪 strictly refers to a legal crime, 罪 encompasses a broader range of meanings, including a moral sin, a fault, guilt, or a transgression against religious or ethical codes. For instance, one might say '神に罪を許してもらう' (to have one's sins forgiven by God), where 犯罪 would be entirely inappropriate. Another crucial word is 事件 (jiken), which translates to 'incident,' 'affair,' or 'case.' While a 犯罪 is the illegal act itself, a 事件 is the event that occurs as a result, which is often what is reported in the news. A murder is a 犯罪, but the news will report on the '殺人事件' (satsujin jiken - murder case/incident). Furthermore, the word 違法 (ihou) is an important related term, meaning 'illegal' or 'unlawful.' It is often used as an adjective or a noun modifier, such as in 違法行為 (ihou koui - illegal act). While all 犯罪 are 違法, the term 違法 is broader and can apply to civil violations or administrative rule-breaking that might not be classified as a strict criminal offense (犯罪). Another related term is 悪事 (akuji), which simply means 'evil deed' or 'wrongdoing.' This is a more general, somewhat literary or dramatic term for bad behavior, not necessarily tied to the legal code. In legal contexts, you might also encounter 刑罰 (keibatsu), meaning 'punishment' or 'penalty,' which is the consequence of committing a 犯罪. By distinguishing between these terms—犯罪 (the legal crime), 罪 (the moral sin/guilt), 事件 (the reported incident), 違法 (the state of being illegal), and 悪事 (the evil deed)—learners can navigate Japanese news, literature, and conversation with much greater accuracy and sophistication. Each word carries its own specific weight and context, and mastering them is a significant step towards advanced proficiency.

罪 (tsumi)
Sin, guilt, or moral fault. Broader than hanzai.
事件 (jiken)
Incident, case, or event. Often used in news reporting.
違法 (ihou)
Illegal or unlawful. Focuses on the violation of rules rather than the act itself.

彼の行為は犯罪ではないが、道徳的な罪だ。

His action is not a crime, but it is a moral sin.

昨日、大きな事件が起きた。それは凶悪な犯罪だった。

A major incident occurred yesterday. It was a heinous crime.

駐車違反は違法だが、重大な犯罪とは見なされないことが多い。

A parking violation is illegal, but it is often not considered a serious crime.

彼は昔、悪事に手を染めていたが、今は真面目に生きている。

He used to be involved in wrongdoings, but now he lives honestly.

犯罪者には適切な刑罰が与えられるべきだ。

Appropriate punishment should be given to criminals.

How Formal Is It?

Schwierigkeitsgrad

Wichtige Grammatik

Noun + を + Verb (犯罪を犯す)

Noun + が + Intransitive Verb (犯罪が増える)

Noun + の + Noun (犯罪のニュース)

Passive voice (犯罪に巻き込まれる)

Nominalization (犯罪を防ぐこと)

Beispiele nach Niveau

1

犯罪はだめです。

Crime is bad.

Basic noun usage with 'wa dame desu'.

2

これは犯罪ですか?

Is this a crime?

Simple question form 'desu ka'.

3

犯罪が起きました。

A crime happened.

Using the verb 'okiru' (to happen) in the past tense.

4

犯罪を見ました。

I saw a crime.

Using the verb 'miru' (to see) with the object particle 'o'.

5

犯罪は怖いです。

Crime is scary.

Using the adjective 'kowai' (scary).

6

犯罪を減らしたい。

I want to reduce crime.

Using the 'tai' form for desire.

7

彼は犯罪者です。

He is a criminal.

Adding 'sha' (person) to make 'criminal'.

8

犯罪のニュースを見ます。

I watch news about crime.

Using 'no' to link nouns: 'news of crime'.

1

彼は重大な犯罪を犯しました。

He committed a serious crime.

Using the specific verb 'okasu' (to commit).

2

警察は犯罪を捜査しています。

The police are investigating the crime.

Present continuous tense 'te imasu'.

3

この町は犯罪が少ないです。

This town has little crime.

Using 'ga sukunai' to describe frequency/amount.

4

犯罪に巻き込まれないように注意してください。

Please be careful not to get involved in a crime.

Using 'nai you ni' (so as not to).

5

若者の犯罪が増えています。

Youth crime is increasing.

Using 'fuete imasu' (is increasing).

6

犯罪を防ぐために鍵をかけます。

I lock the door to prevent crime.

Using 'tame ni' (in order to).

7

昨日、近くで犯罪がありました。

Yesterday, there was a crime nearby.

Using 'arimashita' for occurrence.

8

どんな犯罪でも許されません。

Any kind of crime is unforgivable.

Using 'donna... demo' (any kind of).

1

貧困が犯罪の主な原因の一つであると言われている。

It is said that poverty is one of the main causes of crime.

Using 'to iwarete iru' (it is said that).

2

防犯カメラの設置は犯罪の抑止に効果がある。

The installation of security cameras is effective in deterring crime.

Using formal vocabulary like 'yokushi' (deterrence).

3

インターネットの普及に伴い、サイバー犯罪が急増している。

With the spread of the internet, cybercrime is rapidly increasing.

Using 'ni tomonai' (along with/as a consequence of).

4

犯罪被害者を支援するための新しい法律が成立した。

A new law was passed to support crime victims.

Using compound nouns like 'hanzai higaisha' (crime victim).

5

彼は過去の犯罪歴を隠して就職した。

He got a job hiding his past criminal record.

Using 'hanzaireki' (criminal record).

6

その事件は完全犯罪かと思われたが、警察の執念で解決した。

The incident was thought to be a perfect crime, but it was solved by the police's tenacity.

Using 'ka to omowareta ga' (it was thought that... but).

7

犯罪を犯した者は、法に基づいて裁かれなければならない。

Those who have committed a crime must be judged according to the law.

Using 'ni motoduite' (based on).

8

地域社会が協力して犯罪のない街づくりを進めている。

The local community is cooperating to promote the creation of a crime-free town.

Using 'hanzai no nai' (crime-free) as a modifier.

1

近年、組織犯罪の手口が巧妙化しており、警察の対応が急務となっている。

In recent years, the methods of organized crime have become more sophisticated, making police response an urgent task.

Using advanced vocabulary like 'koumyouka' (sophistication) and 'kyuumu' (urgent task).

2

犯罪心理学の観点から、犯人の動機を分析することが事件解決の鍵となる。

From the perspective of criminal psychology, analyzing the culprit's motive is the key to solving the case.

Using 'no kanten kara' (from the perspective of).

3

再犯を防ぐためには、犯罪者に対する刑罰だけでなく、社会復帰への支援が不可欠である。

To prevent repeat offenses, not only punishment for criminals but also support for their reintegration into society is essential.

Using 'dake de naku... mo' (not only... but also) and 'fukaketsu' (essential).

4

その政治家は、汚職という重大な犯罪に関与していた疑いで辞任に追い込まれた。

The politician was forced to resign on suspicion of being involved in the serious crime of corruption.

Using 'ni kanyo shite ita utagai de' (on suspicion of being involved in).

5

匿名性を悪用したネット上の誹謗中傷も、立派な犯罪行為として認識されるべきだ。

Online slander and defamation abusing anonymity should also be recognized as clear criminal acts.

Using 'rippa na' in the sense of 'clear/undeniable' and 'toshite ninshiki sareru beki' (should be recognized as).

6

少年犯罪の背景には、家庭環境や教育格差など、複雑な社会問題が絡み合っている。

Behind juvenile crime, complex social issues such as family environment and educational disparity are intertwined.

Using 'no haikei ni wa... ga karamiatte iru' (behind... is intertwined).

7

国際的な犯罪シンジケートを壊滅させるためには、各国の捜査機関の連携が求められる。

In order to destroy international crime syndicates, cooperation among investigative agencies of various countries is required.

Using 'ga motomerareru' (is required/demanded).

8

被害者の人権を保護しつつ、犯罪報道のあり方を見直す議論が活発化している。

Discussions to review the nature of crime reporting while protecting the human rights of victims are becoming active.

Using 'tsutsu' (while) and 'arikata' (the way something should be).

1

刑法における犯罪の成立要件は、構成要件該当性、違法性、および有責性の三つから成る。

The requirements for the establishment of a crime in criminal law consist of three elements: applicability of constituent elements, illegality, and culpability.

Highly technical legal terminology and formal structure 'kara naru' (consists of).

2

犯罪統計の解釈においては、暗数の存在を考慮に入れなければ、実態を見誤る危険性がある。

In interpreting crime statistics, there is a risk of misjudging the actual situation unless the existence of the dark figure of crime is taken into consideration.

Using academic phrasing 'o kouryo ni irenakeraba' (unless taken into consideration).

3

死刑制度の存廃を巡る議論は、犯罪抑止効果の実証的データと人道的観点の狭間で揺れ動いている。

The debate over the retention or abolition of the death penalty fluctuates between empirical data on crime deterrence and humanitarian perspectives.

Advanced vocabulary like 'zompai' (retention or abolition) and 'hazama de yureugoite iru' (fluctuating between).

4

企業犯罪の摘発においては、内部告発者保護制度の拡充が不可欠な前提条件となる。

In exposing corporate crime, the expansion of the whistleblower protection system is an indispensable prerequisite.

Formal business/legal phrasing 'fukaketsu na zentei jouken' (indispensable prerequisite).

5

ヘイトスピーチを犯罪として処罰すべきか否かについては、表現の自由との兼ね合いで高度な憲法判断が要求される。

Whether hate speech should be punished as a crime requires a high-level constitutional judgment in relation to freedom of expression.

Using 'beki ka ina ka' (whether or not should) and 'to no kaneai de' (in balance/relation with).

6

修復的司法の理念は、犯罪を単なる法規範の違反ではなく、人間関係の破壊と捉え、その修復を目指すものである。

The philosophy of restorative justice views crime not merely as a violation of legal norms, but as the destruction of human relationships, and aims for their restoration.

Using 'tada naru... de wa naku... to torae' (viewing not merely as... but as).

7

グローバル化の進展に伴い、国境を越えたマネーロンダリングなどの経済犯罪に対する国際的な法執行の枠組み構築が急務である。

With the progress of globalization, the establishment of an international law enforcement framework against economic crimes such as cross-border money laundering is an urgent task.

Complex sentence structure with multiple modifiers and formal nouns.

8

犯罪報道における実名報道の是非は、知る権利とプライバシー権の衝突という、ジャーナリズムの根源的なアポリアを提示している。

The pros and cons of real-name reporting in crime news present a fundamental aporia of journalism: the conflict between the right to know and the right to privacy.

Using philosophical/academic terms like 'zehi' (pros and cons) and 'aporia' (aporia/unresolvable contradiction).

1

刑罰権の行使は国家の最大の暴力装置の作動を意味するため、犯罪の認定は厳格な罪刑法定主義の要請に服さなければならない。

Since the exercise of the right to punish implies the activation of the state's greatest apparatus of violence, the certification of a crime must be subject to the strict demands of the principle of legality.

Extremely formal legal and philosophical language ('zaikei houtei shugi' - principle of legality).

2

フーコー的な権力論の視座に立てば、犯罪とは所与の客観的実体ではなく、規律訓練型権力によって言説的に構築された逸脱のカテゴリーに過ぎない。

From the perspective of Foucauldian power theory, crime is not a given objective entity, but merely a category of deviance discursively constructed by disciplinary power.

Academic sociological/philosophical discourse using terms like 'gensetsuteki ni kouchiku sareta' (discursively constructed).

3

いわゆる「被害者なき犯罪」の非犯罪化論議は、パターナリズムの限界と自己決定権の射程を巡る深遠な法哲学的論争を喚起する。

The debate over the decriminalization of so-called 'victimless crimes' evokes profound legal-philosophical controversies over the limits of paternalism and the scope of the right to self-determination.

Advanced academic vocabulary ('hi-hanzaika' - decriminalization, 'shatei' - scope).

4

環境犯罪に対する法人処罰の理論的根拠を求めて、従来の個人責任原則を修正し、組織体責任という新たなパラダイムを導入する試みがなされている。

In seeking a theoretical basis for corporate punishment for environmental crimes, attempts are being made to modify the traditional principle of individual responsibility and introduce a new paradigm of organizational responsibility.

Complex legal theory discussion ('soshikitai sekinin' - organizational responsibility).

5

犯罪生物学の歴史的過ちを教訓としつつも、最新の脳科学の知見を刑事責任能力の判定にいかに包摂するかは、現代刑法学の最前線の課題である。

While learning from the historical mistakes of criminal biology, how to subsume the latest findings of neuroscience into the determination of criminal responsibility is a frontline issue in modern criminal jurisprudence.

Using 'o kyoukun to shitsutsu mo' (while taking as a lesson) and 'housetsu suru' (to subsume).

6

サイバー空間における国家を背後盾としたAPT攻撃は、伝統的な犯罪と戦争の境界線を限りなく曖昧にし、既存の国際法秩序に深刻な挑戦を突きつけている。

State-sponsored APT attacks in cyberspace blur the boundary between traditional crime and war to the utmost limit, posing a serious challenge to the existing international legal order.

Advanced geopolitical and cybersecurity terminology ('kokka o ushirotate to shita' - state-sponsored).

7

刑事司法手続きにおけるAIの導入は、アルゴリズムのバイアスによるプロファイリングの危険性を孕んでおり、犯罪予測の精緻化と適正手続の保障というディレンマを生じさせている。

The introduction of AI in criminal justice procedures entails the risk of profiling due to algorithmic bias, creating a dilemma between the refinement of crime prediction and the guarantee of due process.

Using 'harande ori' (entails/is pregnant with) and 'tekisei tetsuzuki' (due process).

8

犯罪被害者の「赦し」という極めて個人的かつ精神的なプロセスを、司法という制度的枠組みの中にいかに位置づけるかは、修復的司法の究極の難問である。

How to position the extremely personal and spiritual process of 'forgiveness' by crime victims within the institutional framework of justice is the ultimate conundrum of restorative justice.

Highly abstract and philosophical phrasing ('kyuukyoku no nanmon' - ultimate conundrum).

Synonyme

犯行 不法行為 非行 悪行

Gegenteile

順法 善行 遵法

Häufige Kollokationen

犯罪を犯す
犯罪を防ぐ
犯罪を減らす
犯罪を捜査する
犯罪を取り締まる
犯罪に巻き込まれる
犯罪が起きる
犯罪を裁く
犯罪を計画する
犯罪を隠蔽する

Häufige Phrasen

犯罪に手を染める
犯罪の温床
犯罪の被害に遭う
犯罪を未然に防ぐ
犯罪の抑止力
犯罪の事実を認める
犯罪の匂いがする
犯罪を立証する
犯罪をそそのかす
犯罪の構成要件

Wird oft verwechselt mit

犯罪 vs 罪 (tsumi - moral sin)

犯罪 vs 事件 (jiken - incident)

犯罪 vs 違法 (ihou - illegal)

Redewendungen & Ausdrücke

"完全犯罪"
"知能犯罪"
"凶悪犯罪"
"組織犯罪"
"サイバー犯罪"
"少年犯罪"
"模倣犯罪"
"企業犯罪"
"戦争犯罪"
"思想犯罪"

Leicht verwechselbar

犯罪 vs

犯罪 vs

犯罪 vs

犯罪 vs

犯罪 vs

Satzmuster

So verwendest du es

nuance

Carries a heavy, serious tone. Not used lightly for minor mistakes.

frequency

Extremely high in news and media, moderate in daily conversation.

Häufige Fehler
  • Using する (suru) instead of 犯す (okasu) to mean 'commit'.
  • Confusing 犯罪 (legal crime) with 罪 (moral sin).
  • Using 犯罪 when 事件 (incident) is more natural for a news event.
  • Mispronouncing the pitch accent (using an atamadaka or nakadaka pitch instead of heiban).
  • Using 犯罪 as a direct adjective without adding 的な (teki na).

Tipps

The Golden Rule of Verbs

Never forget: 犯罪を犯す (hanzai o okasu). Write this down 10 times. It is the most important collocation to learn for this word.

Build a Word Web

Learn related words together. Group 犯罪 with 警察 (police), 法律 (law), and 逮捕 (arrest) to build a strong semantic network.

Watch the News

Japanese news broadcasts are the best place to hear this word used naturally. Pay attention to the compound words they use.

Pitch Accent Matters

Practice the flat pitch accent (heiban). Pronouncing it with a drop in pitch sounds unnatural and might confuse listeners.

Low Crime Rate

Remember that Japan has a low crime rate. Discussions about crime are often treated with a high degree of seriousness and shock.

Formal Contexts

Use 犯罪 in formal essays or reports. It is the correct academic and journalistic term for illegal activities.

Legal vs. Moral

Always ask yourself if the act is punishable by law. If not, use 罪 (tsumi) instead of 犯罪 (hanzai).

Mystery Novels

Read Japanese mystery novels (推理小説). You will encounter 犯罪 and related vocabulary on almost every page.

Analyze the Kanji

Break down the kanji: 犯 (commit) + 罪 (sin). Understanding the components helps you remember the meaning and spelling.

Prevention Vocabulary

Learn the phrase 犯罪を防ぐ (hanzai o fusegu - to prevent crime). It is highly useful in essays and debates.

Einprägen

Eselsbrücke

Imagine a HUNter (han) ZAPping (zai) someone—that's a CRIME!

Wortherkunft

Chinese (Sino-Japanese)

Kultureller Kontext

Discussing specific violent crimes in casual settings can be considered inappropriate or overly morbid.

Formal/Objective

No significant regional differences in the meaning of the word itself, though crime rates vary by prefecture.

Im Alltag üben

Kontexte aus dem Alltag

Gesprächseinstiege

"最近のニュースで気になる犯罪はありますか?"

"日本は犯罪が少ない国だと思いますか?"

"どうすれば犯罪を減らせると思いますか?"

"サイバー犯罪についてどう思いますか?"

"防犯のために何か気をつけていることはありますか?"

Tagebuch-Impulse

Write about a time you read a shocking news story about a crime.

Discuss the differences in crime rates between your country and Japan.

What measures do you think are most effective in preventing crime?

Write a short mystery story involving a 'perfect crime'.

Reflect on the impact of cybercrime in the modern digital age.

Häufig gestellte Fragen

10 Fragen

No, this is a very common mistake. The correct verb is 犯す (okasu). You must say 犯罪を犯す (hanzai o okasu).

犯罪 (hanzai) is the illegal act itself (the crime). 事件 (jiken) is the incident or event that is reported. A murder is a 犯罪, but the news reports on the murder 事件.

Generally, no. Lying is a moral failing, which is called 罪 (tsumi). It only becomes a 犯罪 (hanzai) if it constitutes legal fraud (詐欺 - sagi).

You add the suffix 者 (sha - person) to the word. The word for criminal is 犯罪者 (hanzaisha).

It is 'heiban' (flat). The pitch starts low on 'ha', goes up on 'n', and stays high for 'zai'.

Not directly. You must add 的な (teki na) to make it an adjective: 犯罪的な (hanzaiteki na - criminal/illegal).

Common types include 窃盗 (settou - theft), 殺人 (satsujin - murder), 詐欺 (sagi - fraud), and サイバー犯罪 (saibaa hanzai - cybercrime).

You add the suffix 率 (ritsu - rate). The word is 犯罪率 (hanzairitsu).

Yes, if you are discussing the news or a serious event. However, the word itself maintains a serious tone.

防犯 means 'crime prevention'. It is made of the kanji for 'prevent' (防) and 'crime' (犯).

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