罪
Meanings
noun, na-adjective, noun which may take the genitive case particle 'no'
Core meaning: a morally or legally wrong act. Covers both religious sin and secular crime. Can be used adjectivally with な or の.
He committed a crime and went to prison.
I think lying is a sin.
Refers to the punishment or sentence for a crime, not the act itself. Often used in legal or judgmental contexts.
The judge handed down a heavy sentence to the defendant.
fault; responsibility; culpability
Used when assigning blame or responsibility for a negative outcome. Common in phrases like 罪を着せる (pin the blame on someone).
The fault for the accident lies with the driver.
thoughtlessness; lack of consideration
A mild, often self-deprecating use, expressing regret for one's own inconsiderate action. Frequently in set phrases like 罪なことをした (I did something thoughtless).
I spoke without considering her feelings; that was thoughtless of me.
Usage patterns
- 罪を償うto atone for one's crime/sin
He works in prison to atone for his crime.
- 〈人〉に罪を着せるto pin the blame on someone
He tried to pin the blame on his coworker.
- 罪を認めるto admit one's guilt
The defendant finally admitted his guilt.
- 罪を重ねるto commit one crime after another
While on the run, he ended up committing crime after crime.
- 罪なことをするto do something thoughtless or cruel
Getting his hopes up like that—that was a thoughtless thing to do.
- 罪を悔いるto repent one's sins
He repented his sins before he died.