Translation guide
How to express 'commit a crime' in Japanese, from common verbs to formal legal terms.
He committed a crime.
A slightly more literary or formal way to say 'commit a crime/sin'. 罪 can mean crime or sin.
He committed a serious crime.
A formal, often written expression meaning 'to carry out a crime'. Used in news reports or legal contexts.
The suspect committed the crime late at night.
Use a specific verb that pairs with a particular crime, which is often more natural than 犯す.
For many specific crimes, simply use をする (to do). This is the most natural and common pattern.
He committed theft.
Shoplifting is a crime.
Used with certain crimes like 殺人 (murder) or 強盗 (robbery), but をする is often more common. 犯す can sound more serious or formal.
Used with certain crimes like 悪事 (evil deed) or 盗み (theft) in a somewhat literary or set-phrase manner.
He committed an evil deed.
Express the state of having committed a crime, often in legal contexts.
Means 'to be guilty of a crime' or 'it amounts to committing a crime'. Used to state the legal conclusion.
If you do that, you will have committed a crime.
Means 'to be found guilty'. Focuses on the verdict rather than the act itself.
He was found guilty.
While 犯す (おかす) is the direct translation of 'commit', it is not always the most natural choice. For many specific crimes, Japanese speakers simply use する (to do). For example, 'commit theft' is usually 窃盗をする, not 窃盗を犯す. 犯す is more common with serious crimes like murder (殺人を犯す) or in formal contexts.
He committed fraud.
He committed murder.
Using 犯す for every crime can sound unnatural or overly dramatic. When in doubt, 〜をする is a safe and natural choice for most crimes in everyday speech.
The man who committed murder was arrested.