Translation guide
The English word 'unrest' refers to a state of dissatisfaction, disturbance, or agitation, often in a social or political context. In Japanese, the translation depends on the type of unrest: social/political turmoil, personal unease, or general instability.
To describe widespread public disorder, protests, riots, or civil disturbance.
Refers to riots, civil disturbances, or large-scale public disorder. Often used in news reports.
その国では騒乱が続いている。
Unrest continues in that country.
Implies upheaval or violent disturbance, often political. Slightly more intense than 騒乱.
動乱の時代を生き抜く。
Survive an era of unrest.
Means instability. Often used in phrases like 政情不安定 (political instability).
政情不安定が続いている。
Political unrest continues.
Describes a tense, uneasy atmosphere, often before unrest breaks out. Literary or formal.
不穏な空気が漂っている。
There is an air of unrest.
To express inner turmoil, anxiety, or restlessness.
General word for anxiety or unease. Covers personal feelings of unrest.
彼は心の不安を隠せなかった。
He couldn't hide his inner unrest.
Emotional disturbance or agitation, often from shock or worry.
Feeling restless or unable to settle down. Casual.
何だか落ち着かない気分だ。
I feel a sense of unrest.
To describe a state of disorder or lack of peace in a broader sense.
Confusion, chaos, or disorder. Can be used for social or organizational unrest.
経済の混乱が国民の不満を招いた。
Economic unrest led to public discontent.
Disturbance, uproar, or commotion. Often used for specific incidents.
騒乱 (sōran) is the most direct equivalent for civil unrest or riots. 動乱 (dōran) implies larger-scale upheaval, often political. 混乱 (konran) is broader, meaning confusion or chaos, and can apply to non-political situations like organizational disorder.
For personal unease, do not use 騒乱 or 動乱. Use 不安 or 動揺 instead. Saying '心の騒乱' is unnatural.
その国は政情不安に陥っている。
The country is experiencing political unrest.
彼は深い不安を感じた。
He felt a deep sense of unrest.
その知らせに彼女は動揺した。
She was unsettled by the news.
小さな騒動が起きた。
A minor unrest occurred.