How to say "wrongdoing" in Japanese

• 罪つみJLPT N3approx.Common
  na-adjective, no-adjectiveCovers wrongdoing as an offense that makes someone culpable, whether moral, legal, or religious; it carries the sense of guilt attaching to the wrongdoer. Typical in talk of confessing or atoning for one's sins.
  ビルはその罪つみを犯おかしていなかった。↗

  Bill did not commit the crime.
• 不正ふせいJLPT N3approx.Common
  na-adjective, no-adjectiveRefers to wrongdoing conceived as injustice or unfairness—dishonest conduct such as corruption or cheating in business or politics. The emphasis falls on the act being improper and unfair rather than on the wrongdoer's guilt.
  不正ふせいには抗議こうぎせざるをえない。↗

  You must speak out against injustice.
• 悪事あくじCommon
  nounRefers to wrongdoing as active, deliberately evil deeds—wicked acts done with bad intent, as in doing evil or engaging in a life of vice. Use it for consciously villainous behavior rather than ordinary mistakes.
  他人たにんの悪事あくじを引き合ひきあいに出だして自分じぶんの悪事あくじの言い訳いいわけをすることはできない。↗

  Two wrongs don't make a right.

Use 罪 for wrongdoing as an offense or guilt weighing on a person, 不正 for dishonest or unfair conduct such as corruption, and 悪事 for deliberately evil deeds.

Usage comparisons are AI-assisted and cross-checked by multiple models; for study reference only

• 罪つみcrime
• 不正ふせいinjustice
• 悪事あくじevil deed
• 悪行あくぎょうmisdeed
• 不正行為ふせいこういunfair practices
• とがsin