Synonym Nuance VS
How to say "Guilty" in Japanese
Both words can translate to "guilty", but which should you choose?
Japanese Option A
やましい
やましい (yamashii)
N2 / CEFR Syllabus
VS
Japanese Option B
有罪
ゆうざい (yuuzai)
B2 / CEFR Syllabus
Nuance Contrast & Translation Difference
When translating "guilty" into Japanese, you must choose carefully between やましい and 有罪.
In Japanese, やましい (やましい (yamashii)) is typically associated with "guilty; ashamed; uneasy (about one's actions)" (Syllabus Level: N2) and represents Describes a feeling of guilt or shame, knowing that one has done something wrong or improper. 心の中に隠しておきたいことや、後ろめたい気持ちがある様子。.
On the other hand, 有罪 (ゆうざい (yuuzai)) maps to "guilty" (Syllabus Level: B2) and represents Essential structural term in CEFR B2 vocabulary syllabus.. A literal translation of "guilty" can often sound unnatural to native Japanese speakers if mixed up!
Bilingual Context for "やましい"
彼女は何かやましいことがあるのか、私の目を見ようとしない。
Perhaps she has something to hide; she avoids looking me in the eye.
Bilingual Context for "有罪"
私は有罪に興味があります。
I am interested in guilty.
Nuance Mastery Quiz
Which Japanese word perfectly fits this blank space?
Fill in the blank: "彼女は何か ＿＿＿ ことがあるのか、私の目を見ようとしない。" (Meaning: "Perhaps she has something to hide; she avoids looking me in the eye.")
🎉 Correct Answer!
Remember: "やましい" fits here because it means "guilty; ashamed; uneasy (about one's actions)" in the context of: "Perhaps she has something to hide; she avoids looking me in the eye.". "有罪" represents "guilty".