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.
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.
出所後すぐに刑務所に戻った。
He returned to prison soon after his release.
To express the idea of falling back into criminal behavior, often with a nuance of personal failure.
Means 'to relapse into crime'. Conveys a sense of going back to a previous bad state.
更生したと思ったが、犯罪に逆戻りしてしまった。
I thought he had been rehabilitated, but he relapsed into crime.
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.
The most common and direct term for 'recidivism' or 'repeating an offense'. Used in legal, news, and everyday contexts.
再犯率が高い。
The recidivism rate is high.
彼は再犯で逮捕された。
He was arrested for a repeat offense.
A more formal legal term for 'recidivism' or 'habitual crime', often used in statutes and academic writing.
累犯者に対する刑罰は重くなる。
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.
彼は常習犯として知られている。
He is known as a habitual offender.
A more formal term meaning 'to be re-incarcerated'. Used in official contexts.
再入所者の数が増えている。
The number of re-incarcerated individuals is increasing.
Literally 'to commit a crime again'. A clear and common way to express recidivism without specialized vocabulary.
彼は再び罪を犯すことを恐れている。
He is afraid of committing a crime again.