Translation guide
The English word 'innocent' covers several distinct meanings: not guilty of a crime, lacking experience or worldly knowledge, harmless, and free from evil intent. Japanese uses different words and phrases for each. This guide breaks them down by meaning.
Expressing that someone is not guilty of a crime or has been proven innocent.
The standard legal term for 'not guilty'. Used in court verdicts and formal contexts.
He was proven innocent.
Literally 'there is no crime/guilt'. A more general way to say someone is innocent of a specific act.
I think he is innocent.
Means 'innocence' in the sense of being pure and untainted by wrongdoing. Often used in formal or literary contexts.
Describing someone who is simple, trusting, or unaware of the darker sides of life, often in a childlike way.
Innocent in a childlike, carefree way. Often positive, implying purity and lack of guile.
Describing something that is not dangerous, offensive, or intended to hurt.
Literally 'harmless'. Used for substances, animals, remarks, etc.
Describing a person whose intentions are good and not malicious.
Literally 'there is no malice'. A straightforward way to say someone's intentions are innocent.
The katakana word イノセント is used in some product names or titles but is not a natural way to express 'innocent' in everyday Japanese. Stick to the Japanese words above.
We don't use 'innocent' (as a loanword) in everyday conversation.
The court found the defendant innocent.
彼の潔白を信じている。
I believe in his innocence.
I love children's innocent smiles.
She asked the question innocently.
Pure, genuine, untainted. Can describe a person's heart or intentions. Often used for innocent love or motives.
You mustn't hurt his innocent feelings.
Literally 'not knowing the world'. Naive, inexperienced about how society works. Can be slightly negative.
He's innocent of the ways of the world, so he's easily fooled.
Innocent and naive, especially in romantic or sexual matters. Often used for young people.
She's still innocent and has little romantic experience.
This chemical substance is harmless.
His joke was innocent/harmless.
A more colloquial way to say 'there is no harm'.
This medicine has no harmful side effects.
Specifically means 'without ill intent'. Used when someone's actions or words were not meant to hurt.
He didn't mean any harm; he was innocent.
There was no malice in his statement; it was innocent.
Good intentions, goodwill. Often used in the phrase '善意で' (in good faith).
He did it with innocent intentions.
無邪気 (mujaki) emphasizes childlike playfulness and lack of guile. 純粋 (junsui) emphasizes purity of heart or motives. A person can be 純粋 without being 無邪気.
She is innocent/childlike, but not pure-hearted.