Translation guide
The English word 'criminal' can be a noun (a person who commits crimes) or an adjective (relating to crime). This guide covers both uses, with natural Japanese equivalents.
Referring to someone who has committed a crime, especially in a legal or general sense.
The most direct and common translation for 'criminal' as a person who has committed a crime. Neutral and widely used.
He was arrested as a criminal.
Often used for the perpetrator of a specific crime, especially in news or police contexts. Closer to 'culprit' or 'offender'.
The police are pursuing the criminal.
A more literary or old-fashioned term for a sinner or criminal. Can carry moral or religious connotations.
He was judged as a criminal.
Describing something connected with crime, such as behavior, law, or investigation.
Used informally to criticize something as terrible or outrageous.
In casual speech, 'criminal' as an intensifier is not directly translated. Instead, use words like ひどい (terrible) or 最低な (the worst).
That price is criminal. → That price is terrible.
In English, we might say 'That's criminal!' to mean something is shockingly bad. Japanese does not use 犯罪的 (はんざいてき) in this casual way. Use ひどい or 最低 instead.
To hold someone criminally responsible.