expression, i-adjective
innocent; guiltless
Describes a person, action, or thing that is free from guilt or wrongdoing. Often used in fixed expressions like 罪のない顔 (innocent face) or 罪のない嘘 (white lie).
彼は罪のない顔で嘘をついた。
He told a lie with an innocent face.
それは罪のない冗談だった。
That was a harmless joke.
無罪 is a legal term meaning 'not guilty' or 'acquitted', while 罪のない is a more general expression for innocence or harmlessness.
無実 also means 'innocent', often used in contexts of false accusation or legal innocence, whereas 罪のない can describe a broader sense of being free from sin or harm.
Phrase composed of 罪 (tsumi, 'sin, crime') + の (possessive particle) + ない (nai, 'not exist'). Literally 'without sin/crime'.