Translation and Meaning of: 犯す - okasu

If you are studying Japanese or are curious about the language, you may have come across the word 犯す (おかす). It carries a strong and specific meaning, which can raise questions about its correct usage. In this article, we will explore the meaning, the origin, and the contexts in which this word appears, as well as tips for memorizing it. Here at Suki Nihongo, our goal is to provide accurate and useful information for those who want to truly learn Japanese.

The meaning and uses of 犯す

The word 犯す (おかす) is a verb that means "to commit" or "to violate," usually associated with serious actions, such as crimes or transgressions. It is often used in legal or moral contexts, such as in "法律を犯す" (to violate the law) or "罪を犯す" (to commit a crime). Its tone is serious, and it is not a phrase that appears in everyday conversations without reason.

It is worth noting that 犯す is not a neutral term. It carries a negative connotation, indicating an action that goes against social or ethical norms. Therefore, it is important to use it only in appropriate situations, avoiding confusion or misunderstandings. If you are writing or speaking about something less serious, there are other more suitable words.

The origin and writing of the kanji 犯

The kanji 犯 is composed of the radical 犭 (representing animals, like dogs) and the component 巳 (which can indicate snakes or the sixth sign of the Chinese zodiac). This combination suggests the idea of "attack" or "violation," reinforcing the sense of transgression. Sources such as Kanjipedia and 漢字源 confirm this interpretation, linking the character to actions that break established boundaries.

It is interesting to note that, although the radical 犭 appears in other kanjis related to animals (like 猫, "cat"), in 犯 it takes on a more abstract meaning. This shows how radicals can have different functions depending on the context. For learners, noticing these nuances helps to memorize the kanji and its correct usage.

How to memorize and avoid confusion

One of the challenges when learning 犯す is distinguishing it from words with similar sounds, such as 侵す (おかす), which means "to invade" or "to violate" in a more physical sense. One tip is to associate the kanji 犯 with legal or moral situations, while 侵す is more related to territories or spaces. This distinction can be useful to avoid mistakes in texts or conversations.

Another strategy is to create example sentences that reinforce the meaning. For example: "彼は重大な過ちを犯した" (He made a serious mistake). Repeating this type of construction in real contexts helps internalize the vocabulary. Additionally, writing down the kanji and its radicals in a study notebook can strengthen long-term memorization.

Vocabulary

Expand your vocabulary with related words:

Verb conjugation of 犯す

• 犯す つかさなす- verbo transitivo
• 犯される おかされる- Forma passiva
• 犯されている おかされている- Forma passiva progressiva
• 犯させる おこさせる- Forma causativa
• 犯してください おかしてください- Forma imperativa
• 犯さない おかさない- Forma negativa

Synonyms and similar words

• 犯する (Hanasu) - To commit (a crime)
• 犯りする (Yarisu) - Commit (usually has a sexual connotation)
• 犯る (Yaru) - Commit (usually has a sexual connotation)
• 犯さる (Hanasaru) - To be committed (of a crime)
• 犯せる (Hanseru) - To be able to commit (a crime)

犯す

Romaji: okasu
Kana: おかす
Type: verb
L: jlpt-n1

Translation / Meaning: commit; perpetrate; violate; rape

Meaning in English: to commit;to perpetrate;to violate;to rape

Definition: commit a crime or law.

Example Sentences - (犯す) okasu

See below some example sentences:

浅ましい行為を犯すな。

Asamashii kōi wo okasu na

Do not commit petty acts.

Don't commit a superficial act.

• 浅ましい - adjective that means "mean," "base," "unworthy"
• 行為 - noun that means "action", "behavior"
• を - Particle indicating the direct object of the sentence
• 犯す - verb that means "to commit", "to violate"
• な - particle indicating an order or prohibition

ミスを犯した。

Misu wo okashita

I made a mistake.

I made a mistake.

• ミス (misu) - error
• を (wo) - Particle indicating the direct object of the sentence
• 犯した (okashita) - Committed

間違いを犯さないように注意してください。

Machigai wo okasanai you ni chuui shite kudasai

Please be careful not to make mistakes.

Be careful not to make mistakes.

• 間違い (Machigai) - error
• を (wo) - Particle indicating the object of the sentence
• 犯さない (okasanai) - don't commit
• ように (youni) - Expression that indicates a purpose or objective
• 注意 (chuui) - Attention
• してください (shite kudasai) - Please, do it.

誤りを犯さないように注意してください。

Machigai wo okasanai you ni chuui shite kudasai

Please be careful not to make mistakes.

Be careful not to make a mistake.

• 誤り (Ayamari) - error
• を (wo) - object particle
• 犯さない (okasanai) - don't commit
• ように (youni) - for what
• 注意してください (chuui shite kudasai) - please pay attention

彼は罪を犯した。

Kare wa tsumi o okashita

He committed a crime.

He has sinned.

• 彼 (kare) - He
• は (wa) - Topic particle
• 罪 (tsumi) - Sin, crime
• を (wo) - Direct object particle
• 犯した (okashita) - Committed