Understanding 犯罪 (はんざい)
The word 犯罪 means "crime" and is commonly used in news, police reports, and everyday conversations about law and order. It refers to acts that break the law and are punishable by authorities.
Usage and Nuance
犯罪 is a noun and often appears with verbs like 犯す (おかす, to commit) or 減る (へる, to decrease). When talking about committing a crime, 犯罪を犯す is a common collocation. It carries a formal tone suitable for news, legal contexts, and serious discussions.
Common Collocations
- 犯罪を犯す: to commit a crime; used when describing the act of breaking the law.
- 犯罪の証拠: evidence of a crime; used in police or legal contexts.
- 犯罪率: crime rate; used in statistics or social discussions.
- 犯罪を減らす: to reduce crime; often used in policy or community safety talks.
Register and Common Mistakes
犯罪 is a formal term and not typically used in casual slang. Learners sometimes confuse 犯罪 with 犯人 (はんにん, criminal), which refers to the person who commits the crime, not the crime itself. Remember 犯罪 is the act, 犯人 is the actor.
Using 犯罪 correctly helps you discuss social issues, law enforcement, and safety with clarity and precision.