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'.
彼は重罪犯人として起訴された。
He was indicted as a felon.
To describe someone who has been convicted of a crime, often in everyday conversation.
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.
A more concise term for 'felon', often used in legal documents.
重罪者の再犯率は高い。
The recidivism rate of felons is high.
Specifically refers to a felon who is serving a sentence.
その刑務所には重罪受刑者が収容されている。
That prison houses convicted felons.
Common term for 'ex-convict' or 'person with a criminal record'. Not limited to felonies, but widely understood.
彼は前科者だから、仕事を見つけるのが難しい。
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.
犯罪歴のある人でも更生できる社会を目指すべきだ。
We should aim for a society where even felons can rehabilitate.
General word for 'criminal'. Can refer to any offender, not specifically a felon.
彼は犯罪者として逮捕された。
He was arrested as a criminal.
Refers to a perpetrator of a heinous or violent crime. Often used in news.
凶悪犯が逮捕された。
A violent felon was arrested.
Literally 'serious criminal', used in legal and news contexts.
重犯罪者の取り締まりを強化する。
We will crack down on felons.