Translation guide
A criminal act motivated by prejudice against a particular group. In Japanese, this concept is often expressed using borrowed terms or descriptive phrases.
Referring to a crime motivated by bias or hatred toward a group.
Describing a hate crime targeting a particular group (e.g., race, religion).
Pattern: [target group] + に対する憎悪犯罪. Used to specify the victim group.
外国人に対する憎悪犯罪が増えている。
Hate crimes against foreigners are increasing.
Referring to hate speech, which often accompanies or incites hate crimes.
ヘイトクライム is the most common and widely understood term, especially in media. 憎悪犯罪 is a direct translation used in legal contexts but may sound stiff. In casual conversation, explaining the concept with 差別による犯罪 is often clearer.
ニュースでヘイトクライムのことをやっていた。
They were talking about hate crimes on the news.
While 憎悪犯罪 is a literal translation, it is not as commonly used as ヘイトクライム. Using 憎悪犯罪 in everyday speech might sound overly formal or academic.
The most direct and commonly understood term, borrowed from English. Used in news and formal contexts.
ヘイトクライムは許されない。
Hate crimes are unacceptable.
A literal translation meaning 'hatred crime'. Used in legal or formal writing, but less common in everyday speech.
憎悪犯罪の防止に向けた法律が制定された。
A law was enacted to prevent hate crimes.
Descriptive phrase meaning 'crime based on discrimination'. Useful when explaining the concept to someone unfamiliar with the term.
これは差別による犯罪です。
This is a crime based on discrimination.
Pattern: [target group] + を狙ったヘイトクライム. More colloquial, often used in news reports.
LGBTQコミュニティを狙ったヘイトクライムが発生した。
A hate crime targeting the LGBTQ community occurred.
Borrowed term for hate speech. Distinct from hate crime, but often discussed together.
ヘイトスピーチは社会問題になっている。
Hate speech has become a social issue.