Translation guide
This guide covers how to express the idea of a minor offense or petty crime in Japanese, from legal terms to everyday expressions for small misdeeds.
To refer to a minor crime or violation in a legal or official context.
The standard legal term for a minor offense or misdemeanor. Often used in the context of the Minor Offenses Act (軽犯罪法).
He was fined for a minor offense.
A more formal or literary term for a petty crime or minor offense. Often used in legal discussions.
Even if it's a minor offense, you must obey the law.
To describe a minor wrongdoing in daily life, such as a small rule violation or petty misbehavior.
Literally 'light violation', a natural way to say minor offense in everyday contexts.
Speeding is often thought of as a minor offense.
A casual way to say 'a minor violation' or 'a little offense'.
A somewhat formal or literary term for a minor fault or offense. Not commonly used in daily conversation.
To refer to a minor penalty or foul in sports.
軽犯罪 is the common legal term for minor offenses, often associated with the Minor Offenses Act. 微罪 is a more formal or academic term for petty crimes and is less frequently used in everyday speech.
Directly translating 'minor offense' as 小さい犯罪 (chiisai hanzai) sounds unnatural. Use the terms provided above depending on context.
Illegal parking is a minor offense, but the fine is high.
Rather than blaming minor offenses, we should focus on bigger issues.