Quick answer
罪 is the kanji for "Sin". Its reading is つみ (tsumi). This page includes example sentences and a stroke-order diagram.
Meaning
Sin
Also : Crime · Fault · Blame · Guilt
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Readings
kun = Japanese reading · on = Chinese reading
Practice writing
Trace the kanji stroke by stroke with a visual guide.
Stroke Order
13 strokes
Radicals
Memory Aid
The kanji 罪 represents 'GUILT'. Think of this shape as a picture representing the concept of guilt.
On-reading: ざい — remember this sound by associating it with guilt. Kun-reading: つみ.
Example Sentences
罪を犯してはいけません。
つみをおかしてはいけません。
You must not commit crimes.
申し訳ないと謝罪しました。
もうしわけないとしゃざいしました。
I apologized saying I'm sorry.
Vocabulary using 罪
Grammar to study at this level
- [Verb dictionary/nai form] + ように～ように (you ni) - So that
- [Verb dictionary form] + ことにする～ことにする (koto ni suru) - Decide to
- [Verb dictionary form] + ことになる～ことになる (koto ni naru) - It has been decided that
- [Noun/Verb te-form] + ばかり～ばかり (bakari) - Only / Nothing but
- [Verb/Adjective plain form] + はずだ～はずだ (hazu da) - Should be / It is expected
Last updated Jun 11, 2026
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