Translation guide
To commit a crime or a harmful, wrong, or violent act. This is a formal word used mainly in legal, journalistic, or serious contexts.
To carry out or be responsible for a crime, wrongdoing, or violent act.
The most direct and common verb for committing a crime or sin. Used with words like 罪 (crime), 犯罪 (crime), 殺人 (murder), 過ち (mistake/offense).
He perpetrated a murder.
Those who perpetrate crimes will be punished.
A general verb meaning 'to carry out' or 'to perform'. In formal contexts, it can be used for perpetrating acts, especially when the act is specified (e.g., テロ行為を行う).
The organization perpetrated acts of terrorism.
Used in set phrases like 悪事を働く (to perpetrate evil deeds) or 犯罪を働く. Less common than 犯す and has a slightly literary feel.
They perpetrated evil deeds.
A common phrase meaning 'to commit a crime'. This is the most natural way to express 'perpetrate a crime' in Japanese.
He perpetrated a crime when he was young.
Literally 'to commit a crime'. Slightly redundant but used for emphasis or in legal contexts.
He was arrested for perpetrating multiple crimes.
To carry out a deception, such as a hoax, fraud, or scam.
Means 'to plan' or 'to set up' something, often with a negative connotation like a scheme or hoax. Used for perpetrating a fraud or trick.
They perpetrated an elaborate fraud.
A set phrase meaning 'to commit fraud'. 働く here carries the nuance of carrying out a bad act.
He perpetrated an investment fraud.
To commit acts of violence, abuse, or harm against others.
Means 'to wield' or 'to exercise' power or violence. Commonly used in 暴力を振るう (to perpetrate violence).
He perpetrated violence against his family.
Means 'to add' or 'to inflict'. Used in phrases like 危害を加える (to perpetrate harm) or 暴力を加える (to inflict violence).
A formal phrase meaning 'to perpetrate abuse'. Often used in news reports or official documents.
Abuse was being perpetrated at the facility.
The English word 'perpetrate' is formal and often used in legal or journalistic contexts. In Japanese, there is no single verb that covers all uses. Instead, use specific verbs like 犯す (for crimes) or 振るう (for violence) depending on the object. Direct translation as 'perpetrate' + noun often sounds unnatural.
犯す (おかす) is specifically for crimes, sins, or moral transgressions. 行う (おこなう) is a general verb for carrying out an action, and can be used for perpetrating acts in formal writing, but it lacks the inherent negative connotation of 'perpetrate'. Use 犯す when the act is clearly a crime or wrongdoing.
To fabricate or make up a story, often a hoax or false accusation. Implies the act is completely invented.
He perpetrated that story (as a hoax).
彼らは無実の人々に危害を加えた。
They perpetrated harm against innocent people.