Translation guide
The act of refusing to obey orders or showing disrespect to authority, especially in a workplace or military context.
Expressing that someone is not obeying orders or is being defiant toward a superior.
General term for rebellion or defiance, often used for insubordination in hierarchical relationships like parent-child, teacher-student, or boss-subordinate.
彼は上司に反抗した。
He defied his boss.
反抗的な態度を取る。
To take a defiant attitude.
Directly means 'violation of orders'. Used in formal or military contexts.
命令違反で処罰された。
He was punished for insubordination.
Common phrase meaning 'doesn't listen/obey'. Used in everyday situations for children, subordinates, etc.
あの部下は全然言うことを聞かない。
That subordinate never does what he's told.
Formal term for disobedience or noncompliance. Often used in legal or military contexts.
不服従の罪に問われる。
To be charged with insubordination.
Specifically for a subordinate being rude or argumentative toward a boss.
Means 'to talk back' or 'answer back' rudely. Common in workplace or family settings.
上司に口答えするなんて許されない。
Talking back to your boss is unacceptable.
To resist or defy, often with a nuance of going against someone stronger. Can be used for insubordination.
彼は権力に歯向かった。
He defied authority.
Literally 'to thrust a shield', meaning to oppose or defy. Stronger and more confrontational.
Serious refusal to obey orders in a strict hierarchical organization.
Military term for disobeying an order. Very formal and specific.
抗命罪で軍法会議にかけられた。
He was court-martialed for insubordination.
Specifically 'violation of a superior officer's order'. Used in military contexts.
上官命令違反は重罪だ。
Disobeying a superior officer's order is a serious crime.
There is no single Japanese word that perfectly matches 'insubordination' in all contexts. Choose the term based on the relationship and severity.
反抗 is broader defiance, while 口答え specifically refers to verbal backtalk. Use 口答え when the insubordination is expressed through words.
上司に盾突くとは大胆だ。
It's bold to defy your boss like that.