犯罪率

• Reading: はんざいりつ
• Romaji: hanzairitsu
• Kanji breakdown: 犯 (han) — offend, commit; 罪 (zai) — crime, sin; 率 (ritsu) — rate, ratio
• Pronunciation: /ha.n.za.i.ɾi.tsɯ/

Meaning

Crime rate; the statistical frequency of crimes committed within a given population or area over a set period.

A compound noun combining 犯罪 (crime) and 率 (rate/ratio). Widely used in criminology, urban planning, and social policy discussions. Japan is frequently cited internationally for its low 犯罪率, a point of national pride often attributed to social cohesion and policing culture. Often seen with modifiers: 凶悪犯罪率 (violent crime rate), 再犯率 (recidivism rate).

Examples

1. 日本の犯罪率は先進国の中でも特に低い水準を維持している。 Japan's crime rate remains particularly low even among developed nations.
2. 都市部の犯罪率は経済格差の拡大と相関があるという研究が発表された。 A study was published suggesting that the crime rate in urban areas correlates with growing economic inequality.
3. 防犯カメラの設置が増加してから、この地区の犯罪率は約30パーセント低下した。 Since the installation of more security cameras, the crime rate in this district has fallen by approximately 30 percent.

Usage Guide

Context: criminology, social policy, urban planning, news, statistics

Tone: academic, analytical

Origin & History

Compound of 犯罪 (hanzai — crime, itself from 犯 to offend + 罪 sin/crime) and 率 (ritsu — rate, proportion). A modern statistical term standardised in the Meiji-Taisho era alongside Western criminological concepts.

Cultural Context

Era: Meiji-Modern

Generation: Adult

Social background: Educated