Translation guide
A person convicted of a serious crime. In Japanese, the concept is expressed through legal terms, descriptive phrases, or context-dependent words.
To refer to a person who has been convicted of a felony in a legal context.
Direct translation used in legal contexts, meaning 'felon' or 'person convicted of a serious crime'.
He was indicted as a felon.
A more concise term for 'felon', often used in legal documents.
The recidivism rate of felons is high.
Specifically refers to a felon who is serving a sentence.
That prison houses convicted felons.
To describe someone who has been convicted of a crime, often in everyday conversation.
Common term for 'ex-convict' or 'person with a criminal record'. Not limited to felonies, but widely understood.
He's a felon, so it's hard for him to find a job.
Descriptive phrase meaning 'person with a criminal history'. More neutral and less stigmatizing.
General word for 'criminal'. Can refer to any offender, not specifically a felon.
To emphasize the gravity of the crime committed.
The English word 'felon' has no single exact equivalent in Japanese. Using 重罪犯人 is technically correct but may sound overly formal or legalistic in casual conversation. In everyday speech, 前科者 or descriptive phrases are more natural.
前科者 specifically means someone with a criminal record (ex-convict), while 犯罪者 is a broader term for anyone who commits a crime. Use 前科者 when the conviction record is the focus.
We should aim for a society where even felons can rehabilitate.
彼は犯罪者として逮捕された。
He was arrested as a criminal.
We will crack down on felons.