Meaning and Usage
The word '범인' specifically refers to a person who has committed a crime or offense. It is commonly used in police, legal, and everyday contexts when talking about criminals or suspects.
Common Collocations
- 범인을 체포하다: to arrest the criminal
- 범인을 잡다: to catch the criminal
- 범인으로 지목되다: to be identified as the criminal
These collocations are frequently used in news reports, police investigations, and crime stories.
Register and Politeness
'범인' is a neutral noun and can be used in both formal and informal contexts. However, when speaking politely or formally, it is often accompanied by polite verb endings or honorifics.
Common Mistakes
Learners sometimes confuse '범인' with '범죄자' (criminal/offender). While both mean criminal, '범인' is more specific to the person who committed a particular crime, often used in the context of a specific case, whereas '범죄자' can be more general.
Summary
Use '범인' when referring to the actual perpetrator of a crime, especially in contexts involving police or legal matters. Remember common phrases like '범인을 체포하다' to sound natural and accurate.