Translation guide
Describes people, behavior, or things that are difficult to control, disorderly, or wild. Japanese expressions vary based on what is unruly: hair, children, crowds, behavior, etc.
Describing hair that is messy, sticking out, or hard to manage.
Specifically refers to bedhead or hair that is messy from sleeping. Commonly used for unruly hair in the morning.
朝、寝癖がひどくて大変だった。
My hair was so unruly in the morning, it was a struggle.
Means hair sticks out or flips up uncontrollably. Common for describing unruly strands.
湿気で髪がはねてしまう。
My hair gets unruly from the humidity.
Refers to hair that is naturally wavy, frizzy, or has a mind of its own. Not necessarily messy, but hard to style straight.
私はくせ毛で、まとまりにくい。
I have unruly hair that's hard to keep neat.
Onomatopoeic word for hair that is bushy, unkempt, or sticking out in all directions. Casual.
髪がぼさぼさだから、梳かさなきゃ。
My hair is unruly, so I have to comb it.
Describing a child who is wild, disobedient, or hard to control.
Describes a child who is naughty, mischievous, and full of energy. Often used affectionately.
うちの子はやんちゃで、いつも走り回っている。
My kid is unruly and always running around.
Literally 'cannot handle with hands,' meaning uncontrollable or beyond one's ability to manage. Used for children or situations.
Means naughty or mischievous, similar to やんちゃ but slightly more old-fashioned. Often used for boys.
Describing a crowd that is disorderly, rowdy, or hard to control.
Means noisy, boisterous, or turbulent. Often used for unruly crowds or environments.
観客が騒がしくなって、試合が中断された。
The crowd became unruly and the game was suspended.
Intransitive verb meaning to become rough, stormy, or disorderly. Can describe weather, seas, or a crowd getting out of hand.
Means lawless or unruly in a more serious, often criminal sense. Used for mobs or riots.
Describing behavior that is rebellious, wild, or undisciplined.
Means self-indulgent, doing as one pleases without regard for others. Describes an unruly, freewheeling attitude.
彼の勝手気ままな行動に周りは振り回されている。
His unruly behavior is causing trouble for everyone around him.
Means sloppy, undisciplined, or loose. Can refer to unruly habits or appearance.
Means wild, uninhibited, or free-spirited. Often used for artistic or unconventional behavior, not necessarily negative.
Describing an animal that is wild, untamed, or difficult to control.
Means rough, wild, or violent. Suitable for describing an unruly animal's behavior.
その馬は荒々しくて、乗りこなせなかった。
The horse was so unruly I couldn't handle it.
Same as for children: uncontrollable. Works for pets or wild animals.
Describing plants that grow wildly, untrimmed, or out of control.
Verb meaning to grow thickly, luxuriantly, or wildly. Often used for unruly vegetation.
庭の雑草が生い茂って手がつけられない。
The weeds in the garden have grown unruly and I can't manage them.
Onomatopoeic word for overgrown, shaggy, or wild-looking plants or hair. Casual.
There is no single Japanese word that covers all uses of 'unruly.' Choose the expression based on what is unruly: hair, child, crowd, etc. Using a generic word like 乱暴 (ranbou) may sound too violent or inappropriate for hair or plants.
あの子は手に負えないほどわんぱくだ。
That child is so unruly he's out of control.
わんぱくな子供たちが公園で遊んでいる。
Unruly kids are playing in the park.
The demonstrators became unruly and the police were called in.
The unruly mob looted the store.
彼はだらしない生活を送っている。
He leads an unruly, undisciplined life.
彼女の奔放な生き方に憧れる人も多い。
Many people admire her unruly, free-spirited lifestyle.
This dog is so unruly it's out of control.
The vacant lot is overgrown with unruly weeds.