Ways to say it
| Chinese | Romanization (Wiktionary) |
|---|---|
| 叛徒 | pàntú |
| 賣國賊 / 卖国贼 | màiguózéi |
| 背叛者 | bèipànzhě |
| 國賊 / 国贼 | guózéi |
| 逆賊 / 逆贼 | nìzéi |
| 漢奸 | hànjiān |
The various Chinese terms for 'traitor' differ based on the scale and nature of the betrayal. 叛徒 is a general term for someone who betrays an organization, group or country. 背叛者 is a descriptive way to say 'betrayer', often used for betraying personal relationships or friendships. 賣國賊 and 國賊 specifically target those who betray their nation. 逆賊 refers to rebels or those acting against established authority or a throne. Finally, 漢奸 is a highly charged historical and political term for collaborators with foreign invaders.
What does it mean word for word?
The term 賣國賊 literally means 'one who sells the country'.
Which one should you use?
While 叛徒 is a general term for a traitor, 賣國賊 is more specific to someone who betrays their country or nation. 背叛者 is often used in a more descriptive, literary sense to mean 'one who commits betrayal', particularly in contexts like friendships. 逆賊 is typically reserved for historical contexts to describe a rebel or someone defying an established authority.
Is it said differently in some regions?
In southern regions such as Guangdong and Hong Kong, the colloquial phrase 二五仔 is used to refer to someone who betrays or deceives their friends.
How does it change in a sentence?
叛徒 is a noun and does not change its form to indicate whether the traitor is singular or plural.
How do you pronounce it?
pàntú
Did you know?
- The colloquial term 二五仔 used in Cantonese refers to someone who is a traitor or a snitch. It is believed to originate from the number 25, though the exact historical origin remains a subject of debate among linguists.
- The word 漢 in the term 漢奸 originally referred to the Han people or the Han dynasty. Over time, it became a derogatory way to label anyone perceived as a traitor to the Chinese identity.
- The term 賣國賊 is particularly stinging because it uses the verb 'to sell'. It frames the act of betrayal not just as a change of heart, but as a cold, commercial transaction where one's own country is treated as a commodity.
Examples in context
- 我们之间有个叛徒。We have a traitor among us.This sentence demonstrates the use of 叛徒 to identify a traitor within a group.Tatoeba #1405444 by sirpoot, translation #23357 by CK
- 我们以为他是一个英雄，原来是一个叛徒。We had thought that he was a hero, but he turned out to be a traitor.This sentence shows how 叛徒 is used to contrast a person's perceived heroism with their actual betrayal.Tatoeba #2410192 by FeuDRenais, translation #2410185 by FeuDRenais2
- 这名政客成为了国家的叛徒。This politician became a traitor to the nation.
- 历史上有一些臭名昭著的卖国贼。There were some notorious traitors in history.
- 他突然变成了背叛者，令人伤心。He suddenly turned into a traitor, which is heartbreaking.
- 他把朋友的事情告诉了别人，真是个叛徒。He told others about his friend's secret. He's such a traitor.
- 这个政治家拿了那么多好处，简直就是个卖国贼。This politician has gained so many benefits. He's practically a traitor.
- 他被朋友们称为二五仔，因为他常常背叛他们。He is called "èr wǔ zǐ" by his friends because he often betrays them.
- 他竟然是一个叛徒。Tā jìngrán shì yīgè pàntú.He actually turned out to be a traitor.
Example conversation
Two friends are arguing after a secret was leaked.
- 梓涵 Zihan志强，是你把秘密告诉他的吧？Zhìqiáng, shì nǐ bǎ mìmì gàosù tā de ba?Zhiqiang, you're the one who told him the secret, right?
- 志强 Zhiqiang我没有，我发誓！Wǒ méiyǒu, wǒ fāshì!I didn't, I swear!
- 梓涵 Zihan别骗我了，你这个叛徒。Bié piàn wǒ le, nǐ zhège pàntú.Stop lying to me, you traitor.
- 志强 Zhiqiang梓涵，你真的误会我了。Zǐhán, nǐ zhēn de wùhuì wǒ le.Zihan, you've really misunderstood me.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “traitor” translations, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
