Translation guide
The state of being free from guilt, sin, or moral wrong; also naivety or lack of experience. Japanese expressions vary by context: legal innocence, moral purity, or childlike naivety.
Expressing that someone is not guilty of a crime or wrongdoing.
The standard term for legal innocence, meaning 'not guilty'. Used in court verdicts and formal contexts.
彼は無罪を主張した。
He pleaded not guilty.
裁判所は彼の無罪を認めた。
The court acknowledged his innocence.
Emphasizes moral purity and freedom from suspicion, often used when proving one's innocence against accusations.
彼は自分の潔白を証明した。
He proved his innocence.
Refers to a false charge or wrongful conviction. Used when someone is innocent but found guilty.
彼は冤罪で刑務所に入れられた。
He was imprisoned on a false charge.
Describing a state of being free from moral corruption or sin, often in a spiritual or ethical sense.
Conveys pure-heartedness and sincerity, often associated with children or untainted character.
彼女の純真な心に感動した。
I was moved by her innocent heart.
Literally 'stainless', implies purity and innocence, often used for children or in religious contexts.
子供の無垢な笑顔が好きだ。
I love the innocent smiles of children.
Referring to a lack of knowledge or experience, often implying simplicity or gullibility.
Innocence in the sense of being free from guile or cunning, often childlike and trusting.
彼の無邪気な質問に笑ってしまった。
I laughed at his innocent question.
Means 'pure' and can imply innocence in the sense of being untainted by bad influences, but also naivety.
Literally 'ignorant of the world', used for someone naive or inexperienced in the ways of society.
When an action or remark is not meant to cause harm or offense.
Common phrase meaning 'there is no ill will'. Used to defend oneself or others from accusations of malice.
彼は悪気はなかったんだ。
He didn't mean any harm.
Means 'there is no ulterior motive'. Used when an action might be misinterpreted.
その発言に他意はありません。
There was no hidden meaning in that remark.
無罪 is strictly legal, meaning 'not guilty' in court. 潔白 emphasizes moral purity and freedom from blame, often used in personal vindication.
彼は無罪判決を受けた。
He received a verdict of not guilty.
私は潔白です。
I am innocent (of any wrongdoing).
The loanword イノセント is used in some contexts (e.g., fashion, art) but sounds unnatural for everyday situations. Use the appropriate Japanese term based on context.
彼女は裁判の間ずっと無罪を主張した。
She maintained her innocence throughout the trial.
子供は成長するにつれて純真さを失う。
Children lose their innocence as they grow up.
Describes someone who is artless and naive, full of natural innocence. Often used for children or pure-hearted adults.
彼女は天真爛漫な性格だ。
She has an innocent and carefree personality.
彼は純粋すぎて、人を疑うことを知らない。
He is so innocent that he doesn't know how to doubt people.
彼女は世間知らずだから、簡単に騙される。
She is so innocent that she is easily deceived.