Translation guide
A minor crime or wrongdoing, less serious than a felony. In Japanese, this concept is expressed through legal terms, general words for wrongdoing, and specific offenses.
To refer to a minor criminal offense in a legal or formal context, similar to a misdemeanor in common law systems.
To refer to a minor wrongdoing or misbehavior in everyday, non-legal contexts.
A general term for evil deed or wrongdoing. Can range from minor misdeeds to serious crimes, but often used for minor offenses in moral contexts.
To refer to particular acts that are considered misdemeanours, such as petty theft or vandalism.
The English word 'misdemeanour' does not have a single exact equivalent in Japanese. The legal system differs, so use 軽犯罪 for formal legal contexts, but in everyday speech, describing the specific act (e.g., 万引き for shoplifting) is more natural.
軽犯罪 refers specifically to offenses under the Minor Offenses Act, while 微罪 is a broader term for any minor crime. In casual conversation, 軽い犯罪 is more common than either.
The closest equivalent to 'misdemeanor' in Japanese law, referring to minor offenses under the Minor Offenses Act. Used in legal and formal contexts.
彼は軽犯罪で起訴された。
He was charged with a misdemeanour.
A minor offense or petty crime. Often used in legal contexts but can also appear in general discussions about minor wrongdoing.
微罪で罰金を科せられた。
He was fined for a minor offense.
A descriptive phrase meaning 'minor crime'. More general and less technical than 軽犯罪.
万引きは軽い犯罪だと思われがちだ。
Shoplifting is often thought of as a minor crime.
彼は若い頃に犯した悪事を悔いている。
He regrets the misdeeds he committed in his youth.
Delinquency or misconduct, often used for juvenile misbehavior or minor offenses. Implies a deviation from proper conduct.
非行少年が増えている。
Juvenile delinquents are increasing.
Misconduct or negligence, often implying a failure in one's duties or a minor scandal. Can refer to personal or professional misdeeds.
彼の不始末が会社の評判を落とした。
His misconduct damaged the company's reputation.
Shoplifting. A common minor crime in Japan, often treated as a misdemeanour.
万引きは犯罪です。
Shoplifting is a crime.
Property damage or vandalism. A specific offense that can be a misdemeanour depending on the extent.
器物損壊で逮捕された。
He was arrested for property damage.
Petty theft. A descriptive phrase for minor stealing, not a formal legal term.
軽い窃盗で警察に呼ばれた。
He was called to the police station for petty theft.