Meaning and Usage
The word "罪" (つみ) primarily refers to a crime, fault, or sin. It can be used in both legal contexts (crime) and moral or personal contexts (fault, sin).
Common Contexts
"罪" is often used when discussing legal offenses, moral wrongdoings, or personal mistakes. It can describe serious crimes or smaller faults depending on context.
Collocations and Patterns
- 罪を犯す (つみをおかす): to commit a crime or sin.
- 罪を認める (つみをみとめる): to admit guilt or fault.
- 罪を償う (つみをつぐなう): to atone for one's sins.
Register and Nuance
"罪" is a formal and somewhat serious word. It is used in legal, religious, and moral discussions. In casual conversation, people might use simpler words like "悪いこと" (bad thing) or "間違い" (mistake).
Common Mistake
Learners sometimes confuse "罪" with "過ち" (あやまち), which also means mistake or fault but is more about errors or lapses rather than crimes or sins. Use "罪" when emphasizing moral or legal wrongdoing.