Translation guide
The English word 'offence' covers several distinct meanings: a crime or illegal act, the act of causing hurt feelings or resentment, and in sports, the attacking side. This guide helps learners choose the right Japanese expression for each context.
Referring to a violation of the law, a criminal act.
General term for crime or criminal act. Used in legal and everyday contexts.
He committed a crime.
The crime rate is decreasing.
Violation, often of rules, regulations, or traffic laws. Less serious than 犯罪.
I paid a fine for a traffic violation.
Sin, guilt, or crime. Often used in moral or religious contexts, but can refer to legal guilt.
He admitted his guilt.
The act of upsetting or insulting someone, or the feeling of being insulted.
Insult, affront. A direct act of disrespect.
That is an insult to him.
To hurt someone's feelings, to offend. Common, natural phrase.
To make someone angry. Often used when offence leads to anger.
His joke offended her (made her angry).
Rudeness, impoliteness. Describes behavior that causes offence.
In team sports, the players or strategy focused on scoring.
The phrase 'take offence' is best expressed with 気分を害する or 怒る, not a direct translation of 'take'.
He took offence at the joke.
犯罪 (crime) is for serious illegal acts, while 違反 (violation) is for breaking rules or regulations, like traffic laws.
Murder is a serious crime.
I got a ticket for a parking violation.
His words offended her.
I'm sorry if I offended you.
His attitude was offensive.
オフェンスの戦略を変えた。
They changed their offensive strategy.