I'm learning 日本語

囚人 — meaning in English: A prisoner

shūjin · Learn this word with quizzes, examples and more on Maspeak.

Guess the translation for prisoner
適応症
tekiōshō
式典
shikiten
囚人
shūjin
賃金
chingin
少年
shōnen
Skip this question   
🎓
Learn Japanese for free
Quizzes, examples, audio & daily challenges. No password needed — just your email.
Start learning →
Already have an account? Log in
neutral common
Usage
The word 囚人 (shūjin) is commonly used in legal and correctional contexts in Japan. Native speakers might use it when discussing criminal justice, prison conditions, or in storytelling that involves themes of confinement or punishment.
Synonyms & nuances
A close synonym for 囚人 is 受刑者 (jukēisha), which specifically means 'convicted person.' While 囚人 can refer to anyone imprisoned, 受刑者 emphasizes legal conviction and sentence, making it more formal in contexts related to judicial discussions.
Culture
The term 囚人 has its roots in classical Chinese, where the characters convey the concepts of 'captivity' and 'person.' In Japan, the societal view of prisoners has evolved, especially with the rise of discussions about rehabilitation versus punishment, making this word significant in contemporary dialogues about justice and reform.
FAQ
Q.What is the meaning of 囚人 in English?
囚人 translates to 'prisoner' in English, referring to someone who has been incarcerated due to criminal charges.
Q.How is 囚人 used in a sentence?
An example sentence could be: '彼は囚人として5年間刑務所にいました,' which means 'He was in prison as a prisoner for five years.'
Q.Are there any common mistakes when using 囚人?
One common mistake is using 囚人 in an informal context. Since it is neutral, it’s best suited for serious discussions, particularly those involving legal matters, rather than casual conversations.
Learn japanese with Maspeak →
Japanese 2000