Translation guide
A minor crime or wrongdoing, less serious than a felony. In Japanese, the concept is expressed through legal terms, general words for wrongdoing, and specific offenses.
The speaker wants to refer to a misdemeanor in a legal or formal context, distinguishing it from a serious crime.
The speaker wants to refer to a minor misdeed or wrongdoing in everyday conversation, not necessarily in a strict legal sense.
Literally 'light crime,' this is a natural way to express a minor offense in casual or general contexts.
万引きは軽い罪だと思っている人が多い。
Many people think shoplifting is a minor offense.
The speaker wants to refer to a specific type of misdemeanor, such as traffic violations or petty theft.
軽犯罪 is the most common legal term for misdemeanor, while 微罪 is more technical and often used in formal legal documents. In everyday speech, 軽い罪 is more natural.
軽犯罪法
Misdemeanor Act (law)
The English word 'misdemeanor' does not have a single perfect equivalent in Japanese. Using 軽犯罪 in casual conversation may sound overly legal. Use 軽い罪 or describe the specific act instead.
The standard legal term for a minor offense or misdemeanor. Used in formal and legal contexts.
彼は軽犯罪で逮捕された。
He was arrested for a misdemeanor.
A minor offense; often used in legal contexts but can be slightly more formal or technical.
微罪で起訴されることは稀だ。
It's rare to be prosecuted for a misdemeanor.
Another common way to say 'small crime' or 'minor sin,' often used in moral or everyday contexts.
嘘をつくのも小さな罪だ。
Telling a lie is also a minor wrongdoing.
Refers to delinquency or misconduct, often used for juvenile offenses or minor antisocial acts.
未成年の非行が増えている。
Juvenile misdemeanors are increasing.
Traffic violation, a common type of misdemeanor in Japan.
スピード違反は交通違反の一種です。
Speeding is a type of traffic misdemeanor.
Shoplifting, often treated as a misdemeanor if the value is low.
万引きは軽犯罪にあたる。
Shoplifting constitutes a misdemeanor.
Petty theft, a direct translation but less common than specific terms like 万引き.
彼は軽い窃盗で捕まった。
He was caught for petty theft.