反逆
hangyaku[hã̠ŋʲɡʲa̠kɯ̟]
The English word treason can be translated into Japanese as 反逆 (hangyaku). If unsure, use 反逆. Wiktionary also lists 裏切り (uragiri) and 反逆罪 (hangyakuzai).
Meaning: crime of betraying one’s country (noun)
Ways to say it
| Japanese | Romanization (Wiktionary) | IPA |
|---|---|---|
| 反逆 | hangyaku | [hã̠ŋʲɡʲa̠kɯ̟] (narrow) |
| 裏切り | uragiri | [ɯ̟ɾa̠ɡʲiɾʲi] (narrow) |
| 反逆罪 | hangyakuzai | [hã̠ŋʲɡʲa̠kɯ̟za̠i] (narrow) |
The term refers to the crime of betraying one's country.
How do you pronounce it?
hangyaku
Did you know?
- The term 裏切り literally translates to 'cutting the back', which creates a direct linguistic parallel to the English expression 'to backstab'.
- In many Japanese contexts, the kanji used for 'rebellion' in 反逆 can be replaced by a different character, 叛, which specifically carries the connotation of a subject rising up against a lord.
- While English speakers use 'treason' to describe a crime against the state, the Japanese word 裏切り is used much more broadly in daily life to describe any personal betrayal, such as a friend lying to you.
Examples in context
- 大統領さん、あなたのしていることは反逆です！Mr. President, what you are doing is treason!This sentence shows how to use 反逆 to express that an action is treason.Tatoeba #10905940 by SomeHungryBois, translation #5407186 by mailohilohi
- 国によっては、国家反逆罪の刑罰が終身刑ということもあり得る。In some countries, the punishment for treason can be life in prison.This sentence uses 反逆 in the context of legal punishments for treason.Tatoeba #942212 by thyc244, translation #682228 by Source_VOA
- 彼の国への裏切りは許されません。His treason against his country will not be forgiven.
- 彼は反逆の罪で捕まった。Kare wa hangyaku no tsumi de tsukamatta.He was caught for the crime of treason.
Example conversation
Two people are discussing a historical novel in a cafe.
- 陽太 Yotaこの物語の主人公は、反逆の道を歩むんだね。Kono monogatari no shujinkou wa, hangyaku no michi o ayumu ndane.The protagonist of this story walks the path of treason, doesn't he?
- 美咲 Misakiええ、とてもドラマチックな展開ね。Ee, totemo doramachikku na tenkai ne.Yes, it's a very dramatic development.
- 陽太 Yota美咲さんは、こういう物語は好き？Misaki-san wa, kouiu monogatari wa suki?Misaki, do you like these kinds of stories?
- 美咲 Misaki歴史的な物語なら、興味があるわ。Rekishiteki na monogatari nara, kyoumi ga aru wa.If it's a historical story, I'm interested.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “treason” translations and entries 反逆, 裏切り, 反逆罪, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries 反逆, 反逆罪, 裏切り, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
