Translation guide
The state of being involved with others in an illegal or morally wrong act. Japanese expresses this through nouns describing the relationship, verbs for participation, and legal terms.
Expressing that someone is knowingly involved in a crime or unethical act with others.
The most direct equivalent, meaning conspiracy or collusion. Often used in legal contexts.
Describing a situation where someone is complicit through inaction, silence, or tacit support.
To tacitly permit or condone wrongdoing by staying silent. Implies moral complicity.
政府は汚職を黙認していた。
The government was complicit in the corruption by turning a blind eye.
共謀 emphasizes the planning or conspiracy aspect, while 共犯 focuses on the status of being an accomplice in the actual crime. 共謀 is often used for white-collar crimes, 共犯 for direct criminal acts.
English 'complicity' is often used in moral or political discourse. Direct translation as 共謀 may sound too legal or conspiratorial. For moral complicity, consider phrases like 黙認 or 見て見ぬふり.
彼はその詐欺に共謀した。
He was complicit in the fraud.
Refers to complicity as an accomplice. Common in criminal contexts.
彼女は強盗の共犯として逮捕された。
She was arrested as an accomplice in the robbery.
To take part in a crime or wrongdoing; to lend support to an illegal act.
彼は不正に加担したことを認めた。
He admitted to being complicit in the wrongdoing.
Implication in a crime by association, often used historically or in formal legal contexts.
彼は連座制によって罰せられた。
He was punished under the system of complicity by association.
To pretend not to see; to ignore wrongdoing deliberately, making one complicit.
彼はいじめを見て見ぬふりをした。
He was complicit in the bullying by pretending not to see it.
Legal term for aiding and abetting, including by inaction in some contexts.
彼は殺人の幇助で起訴された。
He was charged with complicity in the murder.