Translation guide
The English word "guilty" covers legal guilt, feelings of remorse, and responsibility for wrongdoing. Japanese uses different expressions depending on the nuance.
I feel guilty.
He was found guilty.
Expressing a personal feeling of guilt, regret, or a guilty conscience about something one has done.
Literally 'to have a sense of guilt'. This is the most common way to say you feel guilty about something.
I feel guilty for lying to him.
Similar to 後ろめたい, meaning to feel guilty or have a troubled conscience. Often used in the phrase やましいところがある (to have a guilty conscience).
A more formal expression meaning 'to feel sorry' or 'to feel apologetic', often used in situations where you feel you have caused trouble.
Stating that someone is guilty of a crime in a legal context.
The standard legal term for 'guilty'. Used in court verdicts and legal discussions.
Acknowledging that one is at fault or to blame for something, not necessarily a crime.
A very common and casual way to admit fault, like saying 'my bad' or 'it's my fault'. Often used in everyday apologies.
Describing something one enjoys but feels slightly ashamed or embarrassed about.
Literally 'can't stop'. Often used to describe a guilty pleasure, implying you know it's not great but you enjoy it anyway.
Potato chips are my guilty pleasure.
Avoid directly translating 'I feel guilty' as 私は有罪です (Watashi wa yūzai desu), which means 'I am guilty' in a legal sense. Use 罪悪感がある or 後ろめたい for feelings of guilt.
Both mean having a guilty conscience, but 後ろめたい often implies a fear of being discovered, while やましい focuses more on the internal moral discomfort. They are often interchangeable.
An adjective meaning to feel guilty or have a guilty conscience, often implying a sense of unease or fear of being found out.
Do you have something to feel guilty about?
やましいことは何もない。
I have nothing to feel guilty about.
I feel guilty for causing you trouble.
He was found guilty.
The defendant was declared guilty.
Literally 'committed a crime'. Used to describe the act of being guilty of a specific offense.
He admitted he was guilty of the crime.
Sorry, I was guilty (it was my fault).
Means 'to be responsible'. Used when acknowledging responsibility for a mistake or problem.
I am guilty (responsible) for this problem.
A colloquial way to say 'it's (someone's) fault'. Often used in casual blame.
It's all my fault. (I'm guilty of everything.)
A direct way to say 'a bit embarrassing but I like it', capturing the essence of a guilty pleasure.
I have a guilty pleasure for idol songs.