Translation guide
The act of killing an infant. In Japanese, the most common term is a Sino-Japanese compound used in legal and formal contexts, while a native Japanese word refers specifically to historical practices of infanticide, often due to poverty. The concept can also be expressed through descriptive phrases.
The act of killing an infant, especially in legal, news, or formal contexts.
A direct compound meaning 'infant killing'. Used in news reports and legal discussions. Neutral and straightforward.
She was charged with infanticide.
Literally 'child killing'. Broader than infanticide; can refer to killing one's own child of any age. Context usually clarifies the age. Common in everyday speech and literature.
Infanticide sometimes occurs due to poverty.
A more formal compound using '殺害' (murder/killing). Often used in legal documents or serious news articles.
Infanticide cases are increasing.
Refers to the historical practice of infanticide in Japan, often as a form of population control or due to poverty, known as 'mabiki' (thinning out).
Originally an agricultural term meaning 'thinning out seedlings'. Historically used as a euphemism for infanticide, especially in the Edo period. Carries strong cultural and historical connotations.
During the Edo period, infanticide was practiced in poor farming villages.
When you need to describe the act without using a specific noun, or in more colloquial contexts.
While 嬰児殺し is understood, it sounds formal and somewhat clinical. In everyday conversation, Japanese speakers are more likely to use descriptive phrases like 赤ん坊を殺す or 子殺し, depending on the context.
嬰児殺し is a modern, neutral term for infanticide. 間引き specifically refers to the historical practice and carries the nuance of 'thinning out' as a necessity. Using 間引き for a contemporary crime would be inappropriate and confusing.
Arrested on suspicion of killing a newborn.