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.
The number of earthquake victims reached several thousand.
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.
We mourn the victims of war.
Specifically refers to victims of natural disasters. Common in news reports.
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.
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.
Someone who falls for a scam, deception, or is exploited.
Lighthearted or sympathetic reference to someone experiencing a small problem or bad luck.
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.
Crime Victim Support Center
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).
He always plays the victim.
彼は会社の失敗の犠牲者にされた。
He was made the victim of the company's failure.
Protecting abuse victims is an urgent task.
That guy is an easy mark.
また遅刻？今日の被害者は誰？
Late again? Who's the victim today?