Translation guide
The English word 'rebellion' covers a range of acts from personal defiance to armed uprising. In Japanese, the best word depends on the scale, target, and nature of the resistance. This guide organizes the main meanings and provides natural Japanese expressions for each.
To express a large-scale, organized, often violent revolt against a ruling power.
The most common and general word for rebellion, mutiny, or insurrection. Can be used for historical or modern contexts.
農民たちが反乱を起こした。
The peasants started a rebellion.
軍隊の一部が反乱を企てた。
A part of the army plotted a rebellion.
Literally 'rising up like bees'. Emphasizes a sudden, collective uprising, often by common people. Common in historical or political contexts.
市民が圧政に対して蜂起した。
The citizens rose up in rebellion against the oppressive government.
A historical term for treason or rebellion against a feudal lord or the emperor. Often used in samurai dramas.
家臣が主君に謀反を起こした。
The vassal rebelled against his lord.
To express a more personal, non-violent act of resistance, often by young people or individuals against rules or expectations.
The standard word for defiance, disobedience, or rebellious attitude, especially in parent-child, teacher-student, or boss-subordinate relationships.
彼は親に反抗して家を出た。
He rebelled against his parents and left home.
反抗期の子どもに手を焼いている。
I'm having trouble with my rebellious-phase child.
A verb meaning to go against, disobey, or defy someone or something. Often used in the negative form '逆らえない' (cannot defy).
Stronger than 反抗, implies betrayal or treason. Can be used for dramatic personal rebellion or in political contexts.
To describe a rebellious nature or the abstract concept of rebellion, often in art, music, or personality.
A set phrase meaning 'rebellious spirit' or 'defiant spirit'. It has a positive connotation of standing up against authority or convention.
彼の作品には反骨精神が溢れている。
His works are full of rebellious spirit.
A feeling of defiance or rebelliousness. Often used for teenagers or individuals.
反乱 (はんらん) is for armed, organized rebellion (like a coup or uprising). 反抗 (はんこう) is for personal defiance, like a child talking back to parents. Using 反乱 for a personal quarrel sounds overly dramatic.
彼は親に反抗した。
He rebelled against his parents.
English uses 'rebellion' metaphorically (e.g., 'rebellion against aging'). Japanese usually uses specific words like 抵抗 (ていこう, resistance) or 挑戦 (ちょうせん, challenge) instead of 反乱 or 反抗 in such cases.
上司に逆らうのは難しい。
It's hard to rebel against your boss.
運命に逆らうことはできない。
You cannot rebel against fate.
彼の行動は会社への反逆とみなされた。
His actions were seen as a rebellion against the company.
反抗心からわざと遅刻した。
Out of rebellion, I deliberately came late.