Translation guide
The English verb 'defy' can mean to openly resist authority, to challenge someone to do something, or to be so extraordinary as to seem impossible. This guide covers natural Japanese expressions for each meaning.
To express that someone disobeys a rule, authority, or expectation in a bold or rebellious way.
The most common and general verb for going against someone's will, orders, or expectations. Can be used for defying parents, superiors, or rules.
彼は上司の命令に逆らった。
He defied his boss's orders.
親に逆らってはいけない。
You must not defy your parents.
Implies active rebellion or resistance, often against authority or social norms. Stronger and more confrontational than 逆らう.
学生たちは校則に反抗した。
The students defied the school rules.
To defy or resist fiercely, often with a nuance of turning against someone. Used in dramatic or literary contexts.
彼は権力に歯向かった。
He defied the authorities.
To dare or challenge someone to prove something, often in a confrontational way.
Literally 'say try doing ~', used to challenge or dare someone. The 〜 part is the action in te-form.
彼は私に「やってみろ」と言った。
He defied me to do it.
Means 'to challenge ~', but can be used when defying someone to a contest or test.
彼はチャンピオンに挑戦した。
He defied the champion (to a match).
To describe something that is so amazing, difficult, or unusual that it seems to go beyond normal limits.
Means 'to not be daunted by ~', used when someone defies difficulties or obstacles. Often used with words like 困難 (difficulty) or 危険 (danger).
彼は困難をものともせずに進んだ。
He defied the difficulties and pressed on.
Means 'to transcend ~', used when something defies normal categories or understanding.
その美しさは言葉を超越している。
Its beauty defies description.
Literally 'overturn common sense', used when something defies conventional wisdom.
彼の発明は常識を覆した。
His invention defied common sense.
To express that something cannot be explained or understood.
Means 'cannot be explained', a natural way to say something defies explanation.
その現象は説明がつかない。
The phenomenon defies explanation.
Means 'beyond understanding', used when something defies comprehension.
彼の行動は理解を超えている。
His behavior defies understanding.
While 無視する (to ignore) might seem similar, it does not capture the active resistance of 'defy'. Use 逆らう or 反抗する instead when there is an element of rebellion.
彼は私の忠告を無視した。
He ignored my advice. (Not 'defied')