Translation guide
A person who does something wrong, illegal, or immoral. Japanese has several words depending on the type of wrongdoing, context, and formality.
A person who commits a wrong or offense, often in a legal or moral sense.
A general term for a bad person or wrongdoer. Can be used in both serious and casual contexts.
彼は悪人ではない。
He is not a wrongdoer.
Specifically a criminal, someone who has committed a crime. More formal and legal than 悪人.
その犯罪者は逮捕された。
The wrongdoer was arrested.
Perpetrator, especially in the context of causing harm to a victim. Often used in legal or news reports.
加害者はまだ見つかっていない。
The wrongdoer has not been found yet.
A person who does something morally wrong, often with religious or ethical connotations.
A sinner or criminal; carries a strong moral or religious weight. Can be used figuratively.
彼は罪人として裁かれた。
He was judged as a wrongdoer.
A bad guy, villain, or wrongdoer. More colloquial and often used in stories or everyday speech.
A person who breaks rules, laws, or regulations.
A violator or offender, especially of rules, traffic laws, or regulations. Neutral and formal.
違反者には罰金が科せられる。
Wrongdoers will be fined.
The culprit or perpetrator of a specific incident. Common in crime contexts.
悪人 is a general 'bad person', not necessarily a criminal. 犯罪者 specifically means someone who committed a crime. 加害者 is used when there is a clear victim, like in assault or accidents.
Directly translating 'wrongdoer' as 悪いことをする人 is understandable but unnatural. Use the specific terms above depending on context.
あの悪者を捕まえろ！
Catch that wrongdoer!
犯人はまだ逃走中だ。
The wrongdoer is still at large.