指名手配（しめいてはい、shimeitehaい）
- wanted (by police)

The Japanese word 指名手配, read as しめいてはい (shimei tehai), refers to a "wanted notice," "wanted poster," or "being on a wanted list." It signifies that a person is being sought by law enforcement for a crime. It is a formal term used primarily by the police or media to indicate that an individual is actively being pursued. The term implies that the person is considered dangerous or has committed a significant offense. It's akin to an "arrest warrant" being publicized. The authorities typically issue 指名手配 notices after investigations have led to probable cause, and the suspect is at large. The aim is to solicit public assistance in the suspect's apprehension.

⚫︎ 警察は犯人を指名手配した。 Translation: The police issued a wanted notice for the criminal. ⚫︎ あの殺人犯は、全国で指名手配されている。 Translation: That murderer is on a nationwide wanted list. ⚫︎ 容疑者は指名手配され、国外逃亡を図った。 Translation: The suspect was put on a wanted list and attempted to flee the country.

This word is primarily used in formal contexts such as news reports, legal documents, and official police statements. It is appropriate when discussing a specific person who is being sought by the authorities. It's important to use it with a degree of seriousness, given the gravity of the situation it implies. You would typically hear or read it in situations involving criminal investigations, particularly those involving serious offenses. In daily conversation, you likely wouldn't use this yourself unless you were, for example, discussing a news story.

⚫︎ The word is typically written in Kanji and Hiragana: 指名手配. ⚫︎ The Kanji 指名 means "nomination" or "designation," while 手配 means "arrangement" or "preparation". ⚫︎ There are no common variations in the writing of this word, nor are there variations in the okurigana. The word is consistently written as 指名手配.

⚫︎ 手配 (tehai) - This can be used, but generally on its own it means "making arrangements" or "arranging." In the context of the police, it can imply a warrant has been issued and that they are ready to act. However, 指名手配 specifically targets an individual. ⚫︎ お尋ね者 (otazunemono) - This means "person being inquired about" or "a person sought." It's an older or more literary term for a wanted person, similar to "fugitive." This may also describe a wanted person. ⚫︎ 逮捕状 (taihoujou) - arrest warrant. This is a related term as it is the legal document leading to the 指名手配

There aren't specific antonyms in the direct sense. However, related concepts could include: ⚫︎ 逮捕 (taiho) - arrest. ⚫︎ 出頭 (shuttou) - appearing before the authorities; turning oneself in. This could be considered the opposite of being wanted. ⚫︎ 無罪判決 (muzai hanketsu) - Not guilty verdict. If a person is found not guilty, they would not be subject to a 指名手配 or wanted by the police.

警察は、銀行強盗の容疑者を指名手配し、情報提供を呼びかけた。 ・Translation: The police issued a wanted notice for the bank robbery suspect and appealed for information. ・Explanation: This sentence demonstrates the typical usage of 指名手配 in a news report. It clearly states the action taken by the police in response to a crime.

逃走中の容疑者は、全国の空港や港で厳重に警戒され、指名手配のポスターが掲示された。 ・Translation: The suspect on the run was closely monitored at airports and ports nationwide, and wanted posters were displayed. ・Explanation: This example emphasizes the scale of the police's response and illustrates how the 指名手配 notice is put into action.

The word's etymology is straightforward. 指名 (shimei) means "designation" or "nomination," and 手配 (tehai) means "arrangement" or "preparation." Together, 指名手配 implies "arranging or preparing for the designation" of a person to be sought after. The combination of these two words creates a compound word. The term likely came into use as law enforcement developed more organized methods of identifying and apprehending criminals.