犯人
How to Understand
犯人 (fàn rén) translates to 'prisoner' in English. It refers to a person who has been arrested and is awaiting trial or serving a sentence for a crime. Unlike the term 'criminal,' which can be more general, 犯人 specifically refers to someone who has already been convicted or is currently in legal custody.
The character 犯 (fàn) originally meant 'to commit a crime' or 'to violate,' while 人 (rén) means 'person.' Together, they form a compound that literally means 'a person who has committed a crime.' This combination emphasizes the legal status of the individual rather than just their actions.
在中文中，犯人 is commonly used in legal contexts, such as in news reports, police statements, or official documents. It is also found in popular culture, like in TV dramas or literature, to describe characters who are in prison or under investigation. Understanding this term helps learners grasp legal terminology and better follow Chinese media discussions about crime and justice.