犯

JLPT N3

Commit (crime)

Readings

On’yomi: ハン (han)

Kun’yomi: おか(す) (oka(su))

• おか(す) – to commit (a crime), to violate, to invade

Structure

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Detailed Explanation

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Mnemonic

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Etymology

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Visual Tip

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Vocabulary

犯す

おかす

commit

犯罪

はんざい

crime

犯人

はんにん

criminal

違反

いはん

violation

再犯

さいはん

repeat offense

Example Sentences

罪を犯します。

つみをおかします。

I commit a crime.

犯罪を防ぎます。

はんざいをふせぎます。

We prevent crime.

犯人を探します。

はんにんをさがします。

I look for the criminal.

規則に違反します。

きそくにいはんします。

I violate the rules.

再犯します。

さいはんします。

He reoffends.

Cultural Note

⚖️ In Japanese society, 犯 carries a strong moral and legal weight — implying not just lawbreaking but also social disgrace.
• The term 犯罪 (crime) is often associated with responsibility and guilt, as Japanese culture emphasizes remorse and restoration.
• 犯す is also used figuratively, such as 誤りを犯す (to make a mistake), showing that “violation” can apply to both laws and moral codes.
• The suffix ～犯 (as in 強盗犯 – robber, 殺人犯 – murderer) identifies the type of crime committed.