How to say "perpetrator" in Japanese
Choosing the right word
- 加害者かがいしゃnounThe general, neutral term for the sense of 'perpetrator' as someone who has inflicted harm, violence or injury on others — the wrongdoer or assailant in an incident, as opposed to the victim.
- 張本人ちょうほんにんnounCovers 'perpetrator' in the sense of the main culprit: the person who originated or stood behind an incident, its ringleader, rather than just anyone who took part in causing harm.
Use 加害者 for the neutral, general sense of someone who has harmed or attacked another; use 張本人 when highlighting the person who originated or masterminded the incident, the ringleader behind it rather than any wrongdoer.
Usage comparisons are AI-assisted and cross-checked by multiple models; for study reference only
Japanese equivalents
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