Translation guide
The act of leaving a country, political party, or organization to join an opposing one, often for ideological reasons. In Japanese, the most common and natural way to express this concept depends heavily on context: whether it's political, military, or organizational, and whether it implies betrayal or simply leaving.
To express that someone has left their country, political party, or cause to join an opposing side, often for ideological reasons.
The most direct equivalent for political defection, especially when fleeing one's country for political asylum. It implies leaving one's homeland for political reasons and seeking refuge elsewhere.
He defected to the United States to escape the dictatorship.
The diplomat sought defection to the West.
Specifically means leaving a political party. Often used when a politician defects from their party to join another or become independent.
He defected from the ruling party and formed a new party.
Literally 'to turn over in sleep,' this means to switch sides or betray one's group, often in a political or military context. It carries a nuance of betrayal and opportunism.
The general defected to the enemy side.
Specifically refers to defecting from North Korea. A common term in news and discussions about North Korean defectors.
North Korean defectors often travel to South Korea via China.
To describe a soldier or military unit leaving their army to join the enemy.
Means desertion or running away from military duty. It can imply defection if the deserter joins the opposing side, but primarily focuses on the act of leaving without permission.
The soldiers were tried as deserters for fleeing before the enemy.
Means surrender, but can be used when soldiers give themselves up to the enemy, which may be a form of defection if they then cooperate.
As above, this is common for switching sides in a conflict, including military contexts.
To express that a member leaves an organization to join a competitor or opposing group.
Commonly used for transferring registration or affiliation, especially in sports, entertainment, or business. It can imply moving to a rival team or company.
The player defected to the rival team.
Literally 'changing saddles,' this idiom means switching from one organization, profession, or allegiance to another, often with a nuance of opportunism.
He defected to a competitor.
Means estrangement or defection, often used for members leaving a group or party due to disagreement. More formal and less common in everyday speech.
To emphasize the act of betraying one's group or cause by leaving.
Means betrayal or treachery. While broader than defection, it is often used when someone abandons their group for the opposition, especially in dramatic contexts.
His defection dealt a major blow to the party.
A more formal term for breach of faith or betrayal, often used in political or organizational contexts.
亡命 (bōmei) is specifically for fleeing a country for political asylum. 離党 (ritō) is for leaving a political party. 寝返る (negaeru) implies switching sides, often with a negative connotation of betrayal. Choose based on whether the defection involves crossing a border, changing party affiliation, or betraying a group.
There is no single Japanese word that covers all nuances of 'defection.' Using a direct translation like 亡命 for a sports transfer would sound odd. Always consider the context: political asylum, party switching, desertion, or betrayal.
敵軍に投降した兵士の中には、後に寝返る者もいた。
Among the soldiers who surrendered to the enemy, some later defected.
部隊の半数が敵に寝返った。
Half of the unit defected to the enemy.
The number of defectors within the party is increasing.
その背信行為は許されない。
Such an act of defection is unforgivable.