Translation guide
The English word 'victim' covers several distinct meanings: someone harmed by crime, disaster, or abuse; a target of deception or unfair treatment; and in casual use, someone who suffers a minor misfortune. Japanese uses different words depending on the type of harm and context.
Referring to someone who has suffered physical harm, loss, or death due to a crime, accident, or natural disaster.
The most common and neutral term for a victim of crime, accident, or disaster. Used in news, legal contexts, and everyday speech.
地震の被害者は数千人にのぼった。
The number of earthquake victims reached several thousand.
彼は詐欺の被害者になった。
He became a victim of fraud.
Often used for victims who died or suffered greatly, especially in large-scale tragedies. Carries a nuance of sacrifice.
戦争の犠牲者を追悼する。
We mourn the victims of war.
Specifically refers to victims of natural disasters. Common in news reports.
被災者に支援物資が届けられた。
Relief supplies were delivered to the disaster victims.
Someone who is repeatedly mistreated, bullied, or exploited by others.
Also used for victims of bullying, harassment, or abuse. The context makes the type of harm clear.
いじめの被害者は誰にも相談できなかった。
The victim of bullying couldn't talk to anyone about it.
Used when the person is seen as a scapegoat or sacrificed for others' benefit.
Technical term for victims of abuse, often used in social welfare contexts.
被虐待者の保護が急務だ。
Protecting abuse victims is an urgent task.
Someone who falls for a scam, deception, or is exploited.
Standard term for victims of fraud or scams.
振り込め詐欺の被害者が増えている。
The number of victims of wire transfer fraud is increasing.
Slang for a mark or easy target, often used by con artists. Implies the person is gullible.
あいつはいいカモだ。
That guy is an easy mark.
Lighthearted or sympathetic reference to someone experiencing a small problem or bad luck.
A common pattern meaning 'to fall victim to ~'. Used for minor troubles like theft, food poisoning, or computer viruses.
スリの被害に遭った。
I was a victim of pickpocketing.
食中毒の被害に遭った。
I fell victim to food poisoning.
Can be used humorously or sympathetically for minor misfortunes.
被害者 is the general term for anyone who suffers harm. 犠牲者 emphasizes sacrifice or death, and is often used in tragic contexts like war or disasters. In legal or crime reporting, 被害者 is standard.
犯罪被害者支援センター
Crime Victim Support Center
戦争犠牲者の慰霊碑
Memorial for war victims
The phrase 'victim mentality' does not translate directly. Use 被害者意識 (ひがいしゃいしき) or 被害者ぶる (ひがいしゃぶる, to play the victim).
彼はすぐ被害者ぶる。
He always plays the victim.
He was made the victim of the company's failure.
Late again? Who's the victim today?