Translation guide
The English word "delinquency" covers several distinct concepts: criminal or antisocial behavior by young people (juvenile delinquency), failure to pay a debt or meet an obligation (financial delinquency), and general neglect of duty. This guide focuses on the most common meaning for learners—juvenile delinquency—and also covers financial and formal contexts.
Criminal or antisocial behavior by minors; the social problem of youth crime.
The standard term for juvenile delinquency. Refers to illegal or antisocial acts by minors. Commonly used in legal, educational, and news contexts.
Juvenile delinquency is increasing.
young people turning to delinquency
Literally "juvenile crime." Often used interchangeably with 非行, but emphasizes the criminal aspect. Common in news reports.
We consider measures to prevent juvenile crime.
Refers to delinquency in the sense of being a "bad kid" or "troubled youth." Often used in compounds like 不良少年 (delinquent boy). Slightly dated or colloquial.
He hangs out with a delinquent group.
Slang abbreviation of ぐれる (to stray from the right path). Refers to delinquency or being a delinquent. Very informal.
That guy's totally gone delinquent.
Failure to pay a debt, loan, or bill on time; being behind on payments.
The standard term for delinquency in payments. Used for loans, rent, taxes, etc. Often appears as 延滞金 (delinquent payment) or 延滞利息 (delinquent interest).
If you are delinquent on rent, a late fee will be charged.
Similar to 延滞, but often implies a longer period of non-payment or accumulation of unpaid amounts. Used for taxes, social insurance, etc.
Means "unpaid" or "outstanding." Can be used for any bill or invoice. Not as strong as delinquency, but often used in similar contexts.
Failure to fulfill a responsibility or duty; dereliction.
Negligence or neglect of duty. Often used in formal or professional contexts. Implies laziness or lack of care.
He was fired for dereliction of duty.
Legal term for non-performance of an obligation. Very formal and technical.
There was a delinquency in contractual obligations.
非行 is specifically for juvenile misbehavior. Using it for late payments would be confusing. Use 延滞 or 滞納 instead.
延滞 emphasizes being late on a payment, while 滞納 implies a longer-term failure to pay, often with accumulated debt. 延滞 is more common for everyday bills; 滞納 is typical for taxes and social insurance.
The loan repayment is delinquent.
税金を滞納すると、財産が差し押さえられることがある。
If you are delinquent on taxes, your property may be seized.
未払いの請求書がたまっている。
Unpaid bills are piling up.