Translation guide
The English word 'perpetrator' refers to a person who commits a crime or harmful act. In Japanese, the most common equivalent is 犯人 (はんにん), but other terms exist depending on context, such as 加害者 (かがいしゃ) for victims' perspectives, 容疑者 (ようぎしゃ) for suspects, and 下手人 (げしゅにん) in legal or historical contexts. This guide helps learners choose the right word based on the situation.
To refer to the person who committed a crime or misdeed in everyday contexts.
The most common and neutral word for 'perpetrator' or 'criminal'. Used in news, police reports, and daily conversation.
犯人はまだ捕まっていない。
The perpetrator hasn't been caught yet.
警察が犯人を追っている。
The police are pursuing the perpetrator.
Literally 'criminal', emphasizes the person as a lawbreaker. Slightly more formal than 犯人.
彼は犯罪者として逮捕された。
He was arrested as a perpetrator.
To emphasize the person who caused harm, especially in contexts of victimization, abuse, or civil wrongs.
Used when contrasting with a victim (被害者). Common in discussions of bullying, harassment, accidents, and crimes where the victim's viewpoint is central.
いじめの加害者は誰ですか？
Who is the perpetrator of the bullying?
加害者と被害者の両方に話を聞く必要がある。
We need to hear from both the perpetrator and the victim.
To refer to a person believed to have committed a crime, but not yet convicted. In English, 'perpetrator' sometimes overlaps with 'suspect' in early reporting.
Means 'suspect'. Use when the person's guilt is not yet established. Often used in news before trial.
容疑者は犯行を否認している。
The suspect denies the crime.
Legal term for 'suspect' used in formal criminal procedure. Rare in everyday language.
被疑者の取り調べが行われた。
The suspect was interrogated.
To refer to the person who carried out a specific act, often in formal, legal, or historical narratives.
Archaic/legal term for the person who committed a crime, especially murder. Used in historical dramas or formal legal documents.
下手人は現場から逃走した。
The perpetrator fled the scene.
Refers to the person who physically carried out the crime, as opposed to an accomplice or mastermind. Used in crime reporting.
犯人 (はんにん) is the general term for a criminal or perpetrator. 加害者 (かがいしゃ) specifically contrasts with 被害者 (ひがいしゃ, victim) and is used when focusing on the harm caused. 容疑者 (ようぎしゃ) means suspect and is used before guilt is proven. In English, 'perpetrator' can cover all three, but in Japanese, choose based on context.
犯人は逃走中です。
The perpetrator is on the run.
加害者に賠償を求める。
Demand compensation from the perpetrator.
容疑者は無実を主張している。
The suspect claims innocence.
犯人 implies a crime. For minor misdeeds or non-criminal harm, 加害者 may be more appropriate, or rephrase with ～した人 (the person who did ~).
いたずらをした人を探しています。
We are looking for the person who played the prank.
実行犯はまだ特定されていない。
The actual perpetrator has not been identified yet.