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).
To carry out a deception, such as a hoax, fraud, or scam.
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).
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.
He perpetrated a murder.
罪を犯した者は罰せられる。
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).
その組織はテロ行為を行った。
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.
彼らは悪事を働いた。
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.
彼は若い頃に罪を犯した。
He perpetrated a crime when he was young.
Literally 'to commit a crime'. Slightly redundant but used for emphasis or in legal contexts.
彼は複数の犯罪を犯したとして逮捕された。
He was arrested for perpetrating multiple crimes.
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.
彼らは精巧な詐欺を仕組んだ。
They perpetrated an elaborate fraud.
To fabricate or make up a story, often a hoax or false accusation. Implies the act is completely invented.
彼はその話をでっち上げた。
He perpetrated that story (as a hoax).
A set phrase meaning 'to commit fraud'. 働く here carries the nuance of carrying out a bad act.
彼は投資詐欺を働いた。
He perpetrated an investment fraud.
彼は家族に暴力を振るった。
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).
彼らは無実の人々に危害を加えた。
They perpetrated harm against innocent people.
A formal phrase meaning 'to perpetrate abuse'. Often used in news reports or official documents.
施設で虐待が行われていた。
Abuse was being perpetrated at the facility.