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.
His joke offended her.
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.
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.
Means 'to make someone feel uncomfortable/displeased'. More formal and often used in written contexts or when describing something distasteful rather than deeply insulting.
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.
He offended against traffic regulations.
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.
He committed murder (offended by killing).
Literally 'to commit a crime/sin'. A common collocation.
He offended again (committed another crime).
A more formal way to say 'commit a crime'. Often used in legal or news contexts.
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).
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.
Her words deeply offended/hurt me.
The advertisement offended some viewers.
彼は罪を犯した。
He committed an offense (offended against the law).
Acts that offend against the rules are not permitted.
彼は親の期待に背いた。
He offended against his parents' expectations.
Cases of minors offending (committing crimes) are increasing.