Translation guide
A hoodlum is a person who engages in criminal or antisocial behavior, often in a group. Japanese has several words for this, ranging from general terms for delinquents to specific terms for gangsters and thugs.
Refers to a young person, often a teenager, who engages in minor crimes, fights, or disruptive behavior, similar to a 'punk' or 'delinquent'.
The most common and general term for a young delinquent or hoodlum. Can be used as a noun or adjective.
He was a hoodlum in high school.
A group of hoodlums is hanging around.
A subculture term for rebellious youth, often associated with flashy clothes, motorcycles, and delinquency. More specific than 不良, and can be used for both boys and girls.
Those hoodlums are always making noise late at night.
A petty thug or low-level hoodlum, often young and trying to act tough. Implies a lack of real power or skill.
I was hassled by some hoodlums.
Refers to a member of a criminal organization, often involved in more serious crimes like extortion, drugs, or violence.
A formal term for a member of a criminal gang or syndicate. Often used in news or legal contexts.
He was arrested as a gangster.
The most well-known term for Japanese organized crime members. Can refer to the organization itself or an individual member. Often used in media.
Borrowed from English, specifically refers to the Mafia or mafia-style organized crime. Not typically used for Japanese gangs.
Emphasizes violent, rough behavior rather than just delinquency or organized crime. Can be used for any age.
There is no single Japanese word that perfectly matches all nuances of 'hoodlum'. Choose based on age, criminal involvement, and formality. Using 不良 for a middle-aged gangster would be odd, and 暴力団員 for a teenage troublemaker is too strong.
不良 is the standard term for a delinquent youth. ヤンキー is a subculture label with specific fashion and attitude. チンピラ is derogatory and implies a low-level, wannabe thug.
That shop seems to be run by gangsters.
He is a member of the mafia.
He's just a hoodlum.