Translation guide
The English word 'murder' refers to the unlawful, intentional killing of a person. In Japanese, the most direct equivalent is 殺人 (satsujin), but natural expression depends on context, formality, and whether it's a legal term, news report, or casual speech. This guide covers common words and phrases for talking about murder in Japanese.
Referring to the act or crime of murder in a general or legal sense.
The standard, neutral term for murder as a crime. Used in legal contexts, news, and formal discussion.
He was arrested for murder.
Murder cases are increasing.
Focuses on the act of killing, often used in news reports. Can sound more direct or violent than 殺人.
The suspect stated that he killed the victim.
Literally 'person killing'. A more colloquial and emotive term, often used in everyday speech or to express strong condemnation. Can also mean 'murderer'.
I can't forgive murder.
Expressing the action of murdering someone.
The most common verb for 'to kill'. It can mean murder, but also killing in general (e.g., animals, insects). Context clarifies intent.
He murdered his wife.
Who murdered that man?
Formal verb meaning 'to murder/kill'. Common in news and legal contexts.
The criminal murdered the victim with a knife.
Literally 'to commit murder'. A formal, legalistic phrase.
He confessed to committing murder.
Referring to the person who commits murder.
Standard term for 'murderer' or 'homicide offender'. Used in news and formal contexts.
The murderer hasn't been caught yet.
Can mean both 'murder' and 'murderer'. Colloquial and emotionally charged.
Literally 'murder person'. Less common than 殺人犯, can sound slightly literary.
Referring to a specific murder case or incident.
Standard term for a murder case or homicide incident.
A murder occurred last night.
Referring to multiple murders or a spree.
Referring to an unsuccessful attempt to murder.
Legal term for attempted murder.
He was indicted for attempted murder.
Referring to the genre of fiction about murder.
While 殺人 is the direct translation of 'murder', it sounds formal and legal. In everyday conversation, Japanese speakers often use 殺す (to kill) or 人殺し (murder/murderer) instead. Using 殺人 in casual speech can sound stiff or overly technical.
殺人 (satsujin) is the general term for murder as a crime or concept. 殺害 (satsugai) emphasizes the act of killing and is often used in news reports to describe the method or fact of killing. 殺人 is more common in legal contexts, while 殺害 is more common in crime reporting.
He was convicted of murder.
The murder rate has dropped.
She wrote a book about a famous murder case.
That person is a murderer.
彼は冷酷な殺人者だった。
He was a cold-blooded murderer.
Serial murder, a series of murders over time.
The serial murderer was arrested.
Detective novel or mystery novel, often involving murder.
This is a classic murder mystery.