刑事

• Reading: けいじ
• Romaji: keiji
• Kanji breakdown: 刑 (kei) — punishment, penalty; 事 (ji) — matter, affair
• Pronunciation: /ke.i.dʑi/

Meaning

Criminal case; detective. Refers to criminal law matters or a police detective.

A noun with two main uses: as a legal term meaning 'criminal' (as in 刑事事件, criminal case, opposed to 民事, civil), and as a common word for a police detective. The detective meaning is very familiar from TV dramas and movies. Both usages are common at N3 level.

Examples

1. 刑事がその事件を調べている。 The exam results were posted on the bulletin board.
2. この問題は刑事裁判になる可能性がある。 Please post a notice about the change in the meeting schedule.
3. テレビの刑事ドラマが好きだ。 An important notice is posted in the lobby.

Usage Guide

Context: law, police, TV dramas

Tone: neutral

Origin & History

Composed of 刑 (punishment, penalty) and 事 (matter, affair). Originally referred strictly to criminal legal matters, but the detective meaning emerged as shorthand for 刑事巡査 (criminal affairs officer).

Cultural Context

Era: Modern

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal