Translation guide
The English verb 'offend' covers causing hurt feelings, breaking rules, and committing crimes. This guide organizes Japanese expressions by these core meanings, from everyday social offense to formal legal violations.
To say or do something that makes someone feel insulted, upset, or disrespected.
A standard, polite way to say 'offend' in the sense of hurting someone's feelings. Literally 'to harm one's mood/feelings'. Suitable for both spoken and written contexts.
彼の冗談は彼女の気分を害した。
His joke offended her.
その発言は多くの人の気分を害する可能性があります。
That remark could offend many people.
Means 'to make someone angry' or 'to offend' in the sense of provoking anger. More direct than 気分を害する and often used when the offense leads to visible anger.
彼はその質問に怒らせられた。
He was offended by the question.
Literally 'to wound/injure', used metaphorically for emotional hurt. Emphasizes the pain caused rather than anger. Common in personal relationships.
彼女の言葉は私を深く傷つけた。
Her words deeply offended/hurt me.
Means 'to make someone feel uncomfortable/displeased'. More formal and often used in written contexts or when describing something distasteful rather than deeply insulting.
その広告は一部の視聴者を不快にさせた。
The advertisement offended some viewers.
To violate a regulation, principle, or standard of behavior.
The most common verb for 'to violate/offend against' a rule, law, or agreement. Used in legal, official, and everyday contexts.
彼は交通規則に違反した。
He offended against traffic regulations.
この行為は法律に違反する。
This act offends against the law.
Means 'to commit (a crime/sin)' or 'to violate'. Often used for serious offenses like crimes or moral transgressions. Can also mean 'to break (a rule)'.
Means 'to go against, defy, or violate' expectations, trust, or rules. Often implies a betrayal or turning one's back on something.
To perform an illegal act; often used in the passive 'be offended' meaning a crime was committed.
The standard verb for committing a crime. Note: this is the same word as above but used specifically for criminal acts.
彼は殺人を犯した。
He committed murder (offended by killing).
Literally 'to commit a crime/sin'. A common collocation.
彼は再び罪を犯した。
He offended again (committed another crime).
A more formal way to say 'commit a crime'. Often used in legal or news contexts.
未成年が犯罪を行うケースが増えている。
Cases of minors offending (committing crimes) are increasing.
English 'offend' is often used lightly ('I hope I didn't offend you'). In Japanese, directly saying 気分を害しましたか？ can sound too heavy. Instead, use phrases like 失礼なことを言ってしまったかもしれません (I may have said something rude) or 気に障ったらごめんなさい (Sorry if I upset you).
失礼なことを言ってしまったかもしれません。
I hope I didn't offend you.
怒らせる (okoraseru) implies making someone angry, while 気分を害する (kibun o gaisuru) is more about hurting feelings or causing discomfort. Use 怒らせる when the reaction is anger; use 気分を害する for a more subdued, emotional hurt.
He committed an offense (offended against the law).
規則を犯す行為は許されない。
Acts that offend against the rules are not permitted.
He offended against his parents' expectations.