Translation guide
In Japanese, the concept of an accomplice is expressed through several words that differ in nuance, formality, and context. The most common term is 共犯者 (kyōhansha), a neutral word for a partner in crime. Other terms like 共謀者 (kyōbōsha) emphasize conspiracy, while 片棒 (kata-bō) is a colloquial expression. Understanding the legal, dramatic, and everyday contexts will help you choose the right word.
To refer to a person who helps commit a crime, without strong emotional or dramatic overtones.
The standard, neutral term for an accomplice. Used in legal contexts and everyday speech. It literally means 'co-offender person'.
He was arrested as an accomplice in the bank robbery.
The existence of an accomplice came to light.
Refers to the act of complicity or the accomplice themselves, but more commonly used for the crime of being an accomplice. Can be used as a noun or with する to mean 'to be an accomplice'.
He was indicted for the crime of complicity.
She was his accomplice.
To emphasize the planning or conspiracy aspect, often in serious crimes or dramatic contexts.
Focuses on the conspiracy or plotting together. Often used in political or organized crime contexts. More formal than 共犯者.
The conspirators of the coup met in secret.
The act of conspiracy. Often used in legal charges like 共謀罪 (conspiracy charge). Can also refer to the conspirator in some contexts.
To refer to an accomplice in a casual, often criminal underworld or street-level context.
A colloquial term for an accomplice, literally 'one shoulder of a palanquin', implying sharing the burden of a crime. Often used in the phrase 片棒を担ぐ (to take part in a crime as an accomplice).
He acted as an accomplice in the fraud.
Slang for an accomplice or being in cahoots. Often used in the phrase ぐるになる (to be in cahoots). Conveys a sense of collusion, often in scams or petty crimes.
To refer to someone who helps a criminal after the crime, such as by hiding them or evidence.
To refer to a close friend or partner in a mischievous or non-criminal joint endeavor.
Literally 'partner' or 'buddy', often used for a trusted companion in various activities, including crime. In detective stories, it's the partner. Can be used lightheartedly for a friend who joins in pranks.
He's my partner in crime.
A 'bad friend' or partner in mischief. Not necessarily criminal, but implies a friend who leads you into trouble or fun misbehavior.
共犯者 is the general term for an accomplice who participates in the crime itself. 共謀者 emphasizes the planning or conspiracy stage. In many cases they overlap, but 共謀者 is more specific to plotting.
When English speakers say 'partner in crime' for a close friend, translating directly as 犯罪のパートナー sounds unnatural. Use 相棒 or 悪友 instead.
He was just an accomplice, not the mastermind.
The police are looking for his accomplice.
He was wanted as a conspirator in the assassination plot.
彼らは共謀して証拠を隠滅した。
They conspired to destroy evidence.
You're an accomplice too, aren't you?
Those two are in cahoots.
He shoplifted in cahoots with the store clerk.
Destruction of evidence. A person who helps destroy evidence is an accomplice after the fact. The act itself is often charged.
She participated in the destruction of evidence.
I'm always with my partner in crime when it comes to pranks.
彼は私の悪友で、よく夜遊びに誘う。
He's my partner in crime, always inviting me out for late-night fun.