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.
The perpetrator hasn't been caught yet.
The police are pursuing the perpetrator.
Literally 'criminal', emphasizes the person as a lawbreaker. Slightly more formal than 犯人.
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.
Who is the perpetrator of the bullying?
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.
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.
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.
The perpetrator is on the run.
Demand compensation from the perpetrator.
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 ~).
We are looking for the person who played the prank.
We need to hear from both the perpetrator and the victim.
The suspect was interrogated.
The actual perpetrator has not been identified yet.