Translation guide
This guide helps you express 'disobedient' in Japanese, covering direct adjectives for people/actions, softer terms for children, and verbs for rule-breaking.
To say someone habitually disobeys rules, orders, or authority.
The most common adjective for a rebellious or defiant attitude, often used for teenagers or people resisting authority.
彼は親に反抗的だ。
He is disobedient to his parents.
反抗的な態度をとる。
To take a disobedient attitude.
A formal, written term for disobedience, often used in legal or official contexts.
不従順な兵士は罰せられる。
Disobedient soldiers are punished.
A common phrase meaning 'doesn't listen to what is said,' used for children or pets who don't obey.
うちの子は言うことを聞かなくて困る。
My child is disobedient and it's a problem.
To describe an action that violates rules, regulations, or commands.
A verb meaning 'to violate' or 'to infringe,' used for rules, laws, or agreements.
規則に違反する行為。
An act that violates the rules.
A verb meaning 'to go against' or 'to defy,' often used for commands, expectations, or trust.
命令に背く。
To disobey orders.
To describe a child who is naughty or doesn't listen, often with a milder tone.
Means 'naughty' or 'mischievous' in a playful, not seriously bad way. Common for young children.
わんぱくな男の子。
A disobedient/mischievous boy.
Refers to pranks or mischief, often used for children who are being disobedient in a playful way.
Avoid directly translating 'disobedient' as a single adjective in casual speech. Phrases like 言うことを聞かない or 反抗的 are more natural than literal translations.
いたずらっ子。
A mischievous/disobedient child.