Translation guide
The English phrase "evil deed" refers to a morally wrong or wicked action. In Japanese, there are several ways to express this concept, ranging from common words for bad acts to more literary or dramatic terms for villainy. The most natural everyday equivalent is 悪事 (akuji), while other options carry nuances of crime, sin, or atrocity.
Expressing a morally bad action in everyday or formal contexts.
The most direct and common translation for 'evil deed'. It refers to any wicked or immoral act and can be used in both spoken and written Japanese.
He committed an evil deed.
Evil deeds will surely be punished.
Similar to 悪事 but often implies a pattern of bad behavior or misconduct, sometimes with a slightly more formal or literary tone.
His evil deeds finally came to light.
A colloquial and somewhat mild term for 'bad deed' or 'mischief', often used in casual speech. It can sound less severe than 'evil deed'.
That kid did another bad deed.
Emphasizing the illegal or heinous nature of the deed, often in news or dramatic contexts.
Specifically refers to a criminal act or offense. Commonly used in news reports and legal contexts.
The police are investigating the motive for the evil deed.
A violent or atrocious act, often used for murder or assault. Stronger and more dramatic than 犯行.
A four-character compound meaning 'heinous and inhuman'. Very strong and literary, used for the most atrocious deeds.
Conveying a sense of sin or transgression against moral or divine law.
The general word for 'sin' or 'crime'. In a moral or religious context, it can be used for an evil deed. Very common and versatile.
He repented his evil deed.
A Buddhist term for sinful acts that produce bad karma. Used in religious or philosophical discussions.
Describing an act of extreme cruelty or wickedness, often in historical or dramatic contexts.
Barbaric or savage act. Often used for acts of violence or cruelty that shock the conscience.
We must not forget the evil deeds committed during the war.
Tyranny or atrocity; implies oppressive and cruel actions, often by those in power.
悪事 (akuji) is the most general term for an evil or wicked deed, suitable for everyday use. 悪行 (akugyō) often implies a pattern of misconduct and can sound slightly more formal or judgmental. 犯行 (hankō) specifically refers to a criminal act and is used in legal or news contexts. Choose based on the severity and context of the deed.
While 'evil deed' can be translated directly as 悪事, in many contexts a more specific word like 犯罪 (crime) or 罪 (sin) may be more natural. Avoid using overly dramatic terms like 悪逆非道 in casual conversation, as they sound exaggerated.
彼の凶行は世間を震撼させた。
His evil deed shocked the world.
That is an utterly evil deed.
罪業を積むと苦しみが生じる。
Accumulating evil deeds leads to suffering.
王の暴虐に民は苦しんだ。
The people suffered from the king's evil deeds.