Translation guide
A person who betrays trust, loyalty, or a cause. In Japanese, the most common and natural word is 裏切り者 (uragirimono), but other expressions exist depending on the context, such as traitor to a nation or a backstabber.
To refer to someone who betrays a person, group, or trust in a general sense.
The standard and most common word for 'betrayer' or 'traitor' in a personal or general sense. It literally means 'person who betrays'.
He is a betrayer.
I won't forgive a betrayer.
A more literal phrase meaning 'a person who betrays'. It is less common as a noun than 裏切り者 but can be used descriptively.
He is a person who betrays his friends.
To refer to someone who betrays their country, organization, or a larger cause, often with political or historical connotations.
A strong word meaning 'traitor to one's country' or 'sellout'. It implies selling out national interests.
He was executed as a traitor.
Means 'rebel' or 'traitor', often used for someone who rises against authority or a ruler.
A formal and strong term for 'enemy of the state' or 'traitor to the nation'. Used in historical or political contexts.
To refer to someone who betrays a friend or ally in a sneaky, underhanded way, often for personal gain.
Also covers the sense of a backstabber. It is the most versatile term.
That guy is a backstabber. I can't trust him.
Literally 'person who flips over', meaning someone who switches sides or betrays their group, often for advantage.
Idiomatic phrase meaning 'a person who speaks with a forked tongue', i.e., a double-dealer or betrayer.
To refer to someone who betrays a partner or close friend, often involving infidelity or broken trust.
While 裏切り者 is common, Japanese often prefers verb phrases like 裏切った人 (person who betrayed) or simply using the verb 裏切る in context. Overusing the noun can sound unnatural or overly dramatic.
He betrayed me.
裏切り者 is a general betrayer, while 売国奴 specifically means a traitor to one's country. Use 売国奴 only in political or national contexts, as it carries a heavy, formal tone.
The traitor turned against the king.
彼は国賊とみなされた。
He was regarded as a traitor to the nation.
He is a turncoat who joined the enemy.
He's a double-dealer, so be careful.
He is an unfaithful person who didn't keep his promise.