Translation guide
The act of being disloyal or breaking trust, ranging from personal relationships to treason. Japanese expressions vary by context, from emotional betrayal to political treason.
Expressing that someone has been disloyal or broken trust in a personal context, such as friendship or romance.
The most common and direct word for betrayal, used for personal disloyalty, breaking promises, or going against someone's trust.
彼の裏切りは許せない。
I can't forgive his betrayal.
親友に裏切られた。
I was betrayed by my best friend.
Literally 'to betray trust', a common phrase emphasizing the breaking of trust.
彼は私の信頼を裏切った。
He betrayed my trust.
A more formal or literary term for breach of trust, often used in written contexts.
彼の背信行為は許されない。
His act of betrayal is unforgivable.
Referring to betrayal against one's nation, government, or group, often in political or military contexts.
Treason, rebellion, or mutiny; used for acts against a state or authority.
彼は国家反逆罪で逮捕された。
He was arrested for treason.
Also used for treason, though more general. Can apply to betraying a country or cause.
Historical term for rebellion or conspiracy against a ruler, often used in period dramas.
Describing the act of going against one's own beliefs, promises, or moral standards.
To betray oneself, meaning to act against one's own values or conscience.
妥協することは自分を裏切ることだ。
Compromising would be a betrayal of myself.
To bend or betray one's convictions; implies compromising principles.
彼は信念を曲げて賄賂を受け取った。
He betrayed his principles and accepted a bribe.
Expressing the emotional experience of betrayal, often as a noun phrase.
The feeling of having been betrayed; a common way to express the emotional impact.
裏切られた気持ちでいっぱいだ。
I'm filled with a feeling of betrayal.
Disappointment; often used when betrayal leads to loss of trust and hope.
彼の行動に深い失望を感じた。
I felt deep disappointment (betrayal) at his actions.
While 裏切り is common, directly saying 'それは裏切りだ' (That's a betrayal) can sound overly dramatic in casual conversation. Often, Japanese speakers express the feeling indirectly, e.g., 'ひどい' (That's terrible) or '信じられない' (I can't believe it).
裏切り is general betrayal of trust, while 反逆 specifically implies rebellion or treason against authority. Use 反逆 for political/military contexts, and 裏切り for personal relationships.
それを知った時、深い裏切りを感じた。
I felt a deep sense of betrayal when I found out.
友達の裏切りは最悪だ。
Betrayal by a friend is the worst.
祖国への裏切りは重罪だ。
Betrayal of one's homeland is a serious crime.
The castle fell due to the vassal's betrayal.