罪

• Pinyin: zuì
• Hanzi breakdown: 罪 = 罒 (net) + 非 (wrong), suggesting being caught for wrongdoing

Meaning

Crime; sin; guilt; offense; wrongdoing.

Refers to criminal offenses, moral sins, or guilt. Used in legal contexts (犯罪 commit crime), religious contexts (罪恶 sin/evil), and expressions of apology or blame (罪过 offense, 有罪 guilty). A fundamental term in law and ethics.

Examples

1. 法院判定他犯有故意杀人罪，将面临最严厉的刑罚。 The court found him guilty of intentional homicide and he will face the harshest penalty.
2. 这不是你的罪，你不必自责，事情的发展超出了任何人的控制。 This isn't your fault — you don't need to blame yourself; things developed beyond anyone's control.
3. 他为自己年轻时犯下的罪付出了沉重的代价。 He paid a heavy price for the crimes he committed when he was young.

Usage Guide

Context: legal, moral, everyday

Tone: serious

Do Say

• 他被判有罪。(He was found guilty.)
• 这是什么罪名？(What is the charge?)

Don't Say

• 你忘记了是一个罪。(Too strong — forgetting something is not a 罪; use 错 for minor faults)

Origin & History

Originally written 辠, combining 自 (self) and 辛 (suffering/punishment). Later changed to 罪 with 罒 (net) suggesting being caught.

Cultural Context

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal