Dictionary
English - Japanese

Criminal

ˈkrɪm(ə)n(ə)l
Very common
~ 1900
~ 1900
The word frequency and importance index indicates how often a word appears in a given language. The smaller the number, the more frequently the word is used. The most frequently used words typically range from about 1 to 4000. This importance index helps you focus on the most useful words during your language learning process.

犯罪者 (はんざいしゃ), 犯罪 (はんざい), 犯罪的 (はんざいてき), 違法な (いほうな)

Criminal meanings in Japanese

犯罪者 (はんざいしゃ)

Example:
The criminal was caught by the police.
その犯罪者は警察に捕まった。
He is a known criminal in the area.
彼はその地域で知られた犯罪者だ。
Usage: formalContext: Used in legal or serious discussions about crime and law enforcement.
Note: This term specifically refers to a person who has committed a crime.

犯罪 (はんざい)

Example:
The increase in criminal activities is concerning.
犯罪活動の増加は懸念される。
They are studying the causes of criminal behavior.
彼らは犯罪行動の原因を研究している。
Usage: formalContext: Used in discussions related to law, criminology, and sociology.
Note: This term refers to the act of committing a crime rather than a person.

犯罪的 (はんざいてき)

Example:
His actions were deemed criminal.
彼の行動は犯罪的だと見なされた。
The criminal behavior was shocking to the community.
その犯罪的行動は地域社会を驚かせた。
Usage: formal/informalContext: Can be used in both casual conversation and formal writing to describe something that is related to crime.
Note: This term is an adjective used to describe actions or behaviors that are criminal in nature.

違法な (いほうな)

Example:
It is illegal to possess a firearm without a license.
免許なしで銃を所持することは違法だ。
They engaged in criminal activities.
彼らは違法な行為に従事していた。
Usage: formalContext: Used in legal contexts to describe actions that violate the law.
Note: While it translates to 'illegal', it is often used in conjunction with criminal contexts.

Criminal's synonyms

offender

An offender is someone who has committed a crime or broken the law.
Example: The offender was arrested for theft.
Note: Similar to 'criminal,' but may imply a broader range of offenses beyond just criminal acts.

felon

A felon is a person who has been convicted of a serious crime.
Example: He was convicted as a felon for armed robbery.
Note: Specifically refers to individuals convicted of serious crimes, often with a sentence of one year or more in prison.

delinquent

A delinquent is a young person who regularly commits minor crimes.
Example: The delinquent teenager was involved in vandalism.
Note: Primarily used to describe young individuals who engage in criminal behavior, especially minors.

culprit

A culprit is a person who is responsible for a crime or wrongdoing.
Example: The police were able to identify the culprit responsible for the break-in.
Note: Focuses on identifying the specific individual responsible for a particular crime or wrongdoing.

Criminal expressions, common phrases

Behind bars

This phrase means to be in prison or locked up.
Example: The criminal was finally caught and put behind bars.
Note: The phrase 'behind bars' specifically refers to being imprisoned, while 'criminal' is a broader term for someone who commits crimes.

On the lam

This phrase means to be on the run or to be a fugitive.
Example: The criminal went on the lam after escaping from prison.
Note: Being 'on the lam' implies actively avoiding capture, while 'criminal' refers to the person who has committed a crime.

Caught red-handed

This phrase means to be caught in the act of doing something wrong or illegal.
Example: The thief was caught red-handed stealing from the store.
Note: This phrase emphasizes being caught in the act, while 'criminal' is a more general term for someone who commits crimes.

Get away with murder

This phrase means to escape punishment for a serious wrongdoing or crime.
Example: He always seems to get away with murder, never facing the consequences of his actions.
Note: The phrase 'get away with murder' focuses on escaping consequences, while 'criminal' is a more neutral term for someone who commits crimes.

Felonious behavior

This phrase refers to behavior that is criminal or unlawful.
Example: His felonious behavior landed him in prison for years.
Note: The term 'felonious behavior' specifically denotes criminal actions, while 'criminal' is a general term for someone who commits crimes.

Guilty as sin

This phrase means to be extremely guilty or clearly responsible for a crime.
Example: The evidence presented in court made him look guilty as sin.
Note: Being 'guilty as sin' emphasizes a strong sense of culpability, while 'criminal' is a neutral term for someone who commits crimes.

Lawbreaker

This phrase refers to someone who breaks the law or commits illegal acts.
Example: She was labeled a lawbreaker after being caught stealing from the store.
Note: A 'lawbreaker' specifically denotes someone who violates the law, while 'criminal' is a more general term for individuals who commit crimes.

Criminal everyday (slang) expressions

Crook

Crook is a slang term for a criminal, typically someone who engages in petty crimes or theft.
Example: The police caught the crook breaking into the store.
Note: Crook is more informal and focuses on small-time criminals compared to the broader term 'criminal'.

Perp

Perp is short for perpetrator, referring to a person who has committed a crime or is suspected of doing so.
Example: The detectives were able to identify the perp in the surveillance footage.
Note: Perp is a more casual and often used by law enforcement or in informal conversations, whereas 'criminal' is a more general term.

Hoodlum

Hoodlum is a term for a person who engages in crime or violence, especially in a group setting.
Example: The neighborhood has been plagued by hoodlums causing trouble.
Note: Hoodlum carries a connotation of intimidation and violence compared to the term 'criminal'.

Rogue

Rogue refers to a dishonest or unprincipled person, often used to describe someone who acts independently and unpredictably.
Example: He was known as a rogue trader in the stock market, committing fraud for personal gain.
Note: Rogue can imply a sense of charm or cunning in criminal behavior, distinguishing it from the more general term 'criminal'.

Outlaw

Outlaw is a person who has broken the law and is therefore considered outside the protection of the law.
Example: He lived as an outlaw, always on the run from the authorities.
Note: Outlaw suggests a more rebellious or independent nature in criminal behavior, often associated with historical or dramatic contexts.

Scoundrel

Scoundrel is a term for a dishonest or unscrupulous person, often used to describe someone who deceives or swindles others.
Example: The wealthy businessman turned out to be a scoundrel involved in embezzlement.
Note: Scoundrel conveys a sense of deceit and immorality in criminal actions, emphasizing the negative character traits of the individual.

Criminal - Examples

The criminal was sentenced to 10 years in prison.
The police are searching for the perpetrator of the crime.
The judge declared the defendant guilty of the charges.

Criminal grammar

Criminal - Adjective (Adjective) / Adjective (Adjective)
Lemma: criminal
Conjugations
Adjective (Adjective): criminal
Noun, plural (Noun, plural): criminals
Noun, singular or mass (Noun, singular or mass): criminal
Syllables, Separation and Stress
criminal Contains 3 syllables: crim • i • nal
Phonetic transcription: ˈkri-mə-nᵊl
crim i nal , ˈkri nᵊl (The red syllable is stressed)

Criminal - Importance and usage frequency

The word frequency and importance index indicates how often a word appears in a given language. The smaller the number, the more frequently the word is used. The most frequently used words typically range from about 1 to 4000.
criminal: ~ 1900 (Very common).
This importance index helps you focus on the most useful words during your language learning process.
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