Translation guide
The concept of returning to criminal behavior after being punished or released. In Japanese, this is expressed through specific legal and social terms, with nuances depending on context.
To refer to the phenomenon of a convicted criminal reoffending, especially in formal or legal contexts.
The most common and direct term for 'recidivism' or 'repeating an offense'. Used in legal, news, and everyday contexts.
The recidivism rate is high.
He was arrested for a repeat offense.
A more formal legal term for 'recidivism' or 'habitual crime', often used in statutes and academic writing.
Penalties for repeat offenders become harsher.
Refers to a 'habitual offender' or the act of committing crimes habitually. Emphasizes the habitual nature rather than just repetition.
He is known as a habitual offender.
To describe the act of a former inmate going back to prison due to a new crime.
A straightforward phrase meaning 'to return to prison'. Commonly used in news reports and everyday conversation.
He returned to prison soon after his release.
A more formal term meaning 'to be re-incarcerated'. Used in official contexts.
The number of re-incarcerated individuals is increasing.
To express the idea of falling back into criminal behavior, often with a nuance of personal failure.
再犯 (さいはん) is the general term for repeating an offense and is widely used in media and daily conversation. 累犯 (るいはん) is a stricter legal term often found in the Penal Code, referring to a person who commits a crime again within five years of finishing a previous sentence. For most learners, 再犯 is sufficient.
The English word 'recidivism' is a formal term. In Japanese, directly translating it as リシディビズム would not be understood. Use the terms above depending on context.
He is afraid of committing a crime again.