反抗的
hankouteki
The English word "rebellious" is translated into Japanese as 反抗的 (hankouteki).
反抗的 is an adjective used to describe someone or something showing rebellion.
Meaning: showing rebellion (adj)
Which one should you use?
While 反抗的 is a general adjective for being rebellious, the more formal term 反骨 can also be used to mean "rebellious" or "defiant."
How does it change in a sentence?
When using 反抗的 as a predicate in a plain sentence to say something "is rebellious," it is typically followed by the copula だ (da), forming 反抗的だ. To use the word to modify a noun directly, you must use the form 反抗的な (hankouteki-na).
How do you pronounce it?
hankouteki
Did you know?
- The word 反抗 (hankou) shares its first character with 反省 (hansei), which means 'self-reflection'. In a social context, a 'rebellious' person is often told they lack the ability to perform 'hansei'.
- While 反抗的 describes a general attitude, the word 反骨 (hankotsu) literally means 'anti-bone'. It suggests a rebellion that is built into one's very skeleton or core nature.
- In Japanese pop culture, 'rebellious' characters are often associated with the 'chuunibyou' (middle school second-year) syndrome, where teens act out to feel unique or powerful.
Examples in context
- 彼女の反抗的な態度はまるで敢闘士のようだ。Her defiant attitude is just like that of a valiant fighter.
- 彼は反骨の精神を持ち、社会変革に向けて戦っている。He fights with a rebellious spirit towards social change.
- あの学生は反抗的な態度を取りつつ、自分の考えを貫いている。That student persistently maintains their own ideas while displaying a rebellious attitude.
- 彼は反抗的な態度をとった。Kare wa hankouteki na taido o totta.He took a rebellious attitude.
- 最近の若者は反抗的だ。Saikin no wakamono wa hankouteki da.Young people these days are rebellious.
Example conversation
Misaki and Yota are discussing a student's behavior.
- 美咲 Misakiあの生徒は少し反抗的だね。Ano seito wa sukoshi hankouteki da ne.That student is a bit rebellious, isn't he?
- 陽太 Yotaそうですね、扱いが難しいです。Sou desu ne, atsukai ga muzukashii desu.You're right, he is difficult to handle.
- 美咲 Misakiどうすればいいと思う？Dou sureba ii to omou?What do you think we should do?
- 陽太 Yotaもっと話を聞くべきです。Motto hanashi o kiku beki desu.We should listen to him more.
