Translation guide
In Japanese, the concept of an 'escaped prisoner' is typically expressed with compound nouns or descriptive phrases. The most common and direct term is 脱獄囚, but depending on context, other expressions like 逃亡犯 or 逃走した囚人 may be used. This guide covers the main ways to refer to an escaped prisoner, from formal news reporting to casual conversation.
To refer to a prisoner who has escaped from prison or custody, in a neutral or formal context.
The most direct and common term for an escaped prisoner. Used in news reports and formal contexts. Literally 'prison-break convict'.
To refer to an escaped prisoner in everyday conversation or informal writing.
A simple, casual way to say 'a person who escaped from prison'. Natural in spoken Japanese.
脱獄囚 specifically means someone who escaped from prison (脱獄 = prison break). 逃亡犯 is a broader term for any fugitive criminal, including those who escaped from custody or are on the run before imprisonment. In news reports, 脱獄囚 is used when the escape from prison is the focus, while 逃亡犯 may be used for a wanted criminal who has not been caught.
The English phrase 'escaped prisoner' is a noun phrase. In Japanese, you cannot simply combine the words for 'escaped' and 'prisoner' directly as an adjective-noun pair like 逃げた囚人 without sounding unnatural. Use the established compound nouns or descriptive phrases provided.
The escaped prisoner has not been caught yet.
The police are pursuing the escaped prisoner.
A broader term meaning 'fugitive criminal' or 'escaped convict'. It can refer to any criminal on the run, not necessarily from prison. Often used in news.
The escaped prisoner may have fled abroad.
A descriptive phrase meaning 'a prisoner who escaped'. More explicit and slightly wordy, but clear in any context.
The escaped prisoner is dangerous, so please be careful.
Similar to 脱獄囚 but uses 脱走 (escape) instead of 脱獄 (prison break). Slightly less common, but still used in legal or news contexts.
We ask for your cooperation in arresting the escaped prisoner.
I heard an escaped prisoner was found in the neighborhood yesterday.
Literally 'a person who ran away from prison'. Very straightforward and easy to understand, though a bit long.
It seems the escaped prisoner still hasn't been caught.