罪犯 — meaning in English: criminal

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

Guess the translation for offender

岛

dǎo

条约

tiáoyuē

银行

yínháng

边缘

biānyuán

罪犯

zuìfàn

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neutral common

Usage

Native speakers use the word 罪犯 (zuìfàn) in legal contexts, such as during police investigations, court proceedings, or discussions about crime. For instance, a news report might refer to a 罪犯 when discussing recent criminal activity in a city, or a lawyer might use the term when defending a client accused of a crime.

Synonyms & nuances

A close synonym for 罪犯 is 犯人 (fànrén), which typically refers to a criminal as well, but with a stronger implication of being a prisoner or convict. While both terms can be used interchangeably in casual conversation, 罪犯 is more commonly used in legal contexts.

Culture

The term 罪犯 (zuìfàn) is composed of two characters: 罪 (zuì), meaning 'crime' or 'sin', and 犯 (fàn), meaning 'to commit' or 'to break'. This combination reflects the seriousness of the act of committing a crime in Chinese culture. Interestingly, in traditional Chinese society, the concept of crime was often intertwined with moral failings, making the term carry a weight that reflects societal values.

FAQ

Q.What is the meaning of 罪犯 in English?

罪犯 (zuìfàn) translates to 'criminal' in English, referring to someone who has committed a crime. It encompasses various types of offenses, from petty crimes to serious felonies.

Q.How do you pronounce 罪犯?

The pronunciation of 罪犯 is 'zuìfàn'. The first syllable 'zuì' has a falling tone, while the second syllable 'fàn' has a falling tone as well. Practicing with native speakers can help refine your pronunciation.

Q.Can 罪犯 be used to refer to non-violent criminals?

Yes, 罪犯 can refer to any type of criminal, including those who commit non-violent crimes such as fraud or theft. The term is inclusive and does not specify the nature of the crime.

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