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.
彼は殺人の罪で逮捕された。
He was arrested for murder.
殺人事件が増えている。
Murder cases are increasing.
Focuses on the act of killing, often used in news reports. Can sound more direct or violent than 殺人.
容疑者は被害者を殺害したと供述した。
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'.
人殺しなんて許せない。
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.
彼は妻を殺した。
He murdered his wife.
誰があの男を殺したのか？
Who murdered that man?
Formal verb meaning 'to murder/kill'. Common in news and legal contexts.
犯人はナイフで被害者を殺害した。
The criminal murdered the victim with a knife.
Literally 'to commit murder'. A formal, legalistic phrase.
彼は殺人を犯したと自白した。
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.
殺人犯はまだ捕まっていない。
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.
昨夜、殺人事件が発生した。
A murder occurred last night.
Referring to multiple murders or a spree.
Mass murder, killing many people at once.
その事件は大量殺人として報道された。
The incident was reported as a mass murder.
Referring to an unsuccessful attempt to murder.
Legal term for attempted murder.
彼は殺人未遂で起訴された。
He was indicted for attempted murder.
Referring to the genre of fiction about murder.
Common term for murder mystery novels, films, etc.
彼女は殺人ミステリー小説が好きだ。
She likes murder mystery novels.
Detective novel or mystery novel, often involving murder.
これは古典的な推理小説だ。
This is a classic murder mystery.
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.
彼は殺人罪で有罪判決を受けた。
He was convicted of murder.
殺人発生率が下がった。
The murder rate has dropped.
彼女は有名な殺人事件についての本を書いた。
She wrote a book about a famous murder case.
あの人は人殺しだ。
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.
連続殺人犯が逮捕された。
The serial murderer was arrested.