Translation guide
A misdeed is a bad or wrong act. In Japanese, the most natural translation depends on the severity, context, and whether it's a moral failing, a crime, or a minor transgression.
A bad or immoral action, often used in moral or ethical contexts.
A general term for an evil or wicked deed. Suitable for serious moral wrongs.
彼は過去の悪事を悔いている。
He regrets his past misdeeds.
Often used for delinquency or misconduct, especially by young people.
少年の非行が増えている。
Juvenile misdeeds are increasing.
Similar to 悪事 but can imply a pattern of bad behavior. Slightly more literary.
彼の悪行はついに明るみに出た。
His misdeeds finally came to light.
An illegal act, often used in legal or formal contexts.
The standard word for 'crime'. Use when the misdeed is a legal violation.
彼は自分の犯罪を認めた。
He admitted his misdeeds.
Can mean 'crime' or 'sin'. More emotional or moral weight than 犯罪.
彼は自分の罪を償いたいと思っている。
He wants to atone for his misdeeds.
A small wrongdoing, often in everyday situations.
A mistake or error in judgment, often with a nuance of regret. Can be used for moral failings.
誰にでも過ちはある。
Everyone makes misdeeds sometimes.
Misconduct or negligence, often in a professional or formal setting. Implies failure to handle something properly.
A religious or deeply moral wrongdoing.
Used for sin in a religious sense, or a morally reprehensible act.
彼は自分の罪を神に告白した。
He confessed his misdeeds to God.
Buddhist term for sinful acts that produce bad karma. Very specific and religious.
悪事 is a moral wrong, while 犯罪 is a legal crime. A misdeed like lying is 悪事, but not necessarily 犯罪. Shoplifting is both.
嘘をつくのは悪事だが、犯罪ではない。
Lying is a misdeed, but not a crime.
悪事 sounds quite serious. For a small mistake or error in judgment, use 過ち instead.
He resigned, taking responsibility for his misdeed.
罪業を積むと来世に影響する。
Accumulating misdeeds affects your next life.