Translation guide
The act of not following rules, orders, or authority. In Japanese, the most common and general term is 不服従 (fufukujū), but depending on context, words like 反抗 (hankō) for rebellion, 違反 (ihan) for violations, or 背く (somuku) as a verb are used. This guide helps you choose the right expression based on the type of disobedience.
Expressing the act of not obeying rules, orders, or authority in a general sense.
The most direct and formal noun for 'disobedience'. Used in legal, military, or official contexts. Not commonly used in casual conversation.
彼は命令不服従で罰せられた。
He was punished for disobedience to orders.
Implies active resistance or rebellion, often against authority or parents. Can be used for 'disobedience' with a nuance of defiance.
子供の反抗は成長の一部だ。
A child's disobedience is part of growing up.
A formal synonym for 不服従, meaning 'disobedience' or 'insubordination'. Less common.
不従順な態度は許されない。
Disobedient attitude is not tolerated.
Disobedience in the sense of breaking a specific rule, law, or regulation.
The standard word for 'violation' or 'infringement'. Used for traffic rules, laws, contracts, etc. Often translated as 'disobedience' when referring to rule-breaking.
交通違反で切符を切られた。
I got a ticket for a traffic violation.
規則違反は厳しく罰せられる。
Disobedience of the rules is strictly punished.
Verb meaning 'to go against', 'to defy', or 'to disobey'. Often used with 命令 (orders), 期待 (expectations), 法律 (law).
Deliberate, non-violent disobedience of laws to protest or bring about change.
The standard translation for 'civil disobedience'. Used in political and philosophical contexts.
市民的不服従は民主主義において重要な手段だ。
Civil disobedience is an important tool in democracy.
Emphasizing the attitude of resisting authority, often with a strong emotional component.
As above, but here the focus is on the rebellious attitude. Common in parent-child or student-teacher relationships.
反抗期の子供は親に口答えをする。
Children in their rebellious phase talk back to their parents.
Verb meaning 'to go against', 'to oppose', or 'to disobey'. Often used for defying a person or a flow.
不服従 is formal and often used in legal/military contexts for refusal to obey orders. 反抗 implies active resistance or rebellion, common in developmental psychology (反抗期). 違反 is for breaking specific rules or laws (traffic, regulations). Choose based on the nature of the disobedience.
不服従 is a heavy, formal word. In everyday conversation about a child not listening or a minor rule-breaking, it sounds unnatural. Use 反抗, 逆らう, or 違反 instead.
彼の反抗が多くの問題を引き起こした。
His disobedience caused many problems.
市民的不服従は時に必要だ。
Civil disobedience is sometimes necessary.
He disobeyed his parents' expectations.
上司に逆らうのは難しい。
It's hard to disobey your boss.