Translation guide
The English verb "disobey" means to deliberately not follow a rule, order, or instruction from an authority. In Japanese, there is no single direct equivalent; the best choice depends on what is being disobeyed and the relationship. Common expressions range from formal violations of law to casual refusal to listen to a parent.
To intentionally break or violate an established rule, law, or formal regulation.
The most common and neutral way to say "violate" or "disobey" a rule, law, or regulation. Used in formal and everyday contexts.
彼は交通規則に違反した。
He disobeyed the traffic rules.
If you disobey the rules, you'll be fined.
Literally "to turn one's back on," implying betrayal or defiance. Often used for disobeying expectations, trust, or moral principles, as well as rules.
Means "to break" and is used for breaking promises, rules, or laws. More casual than 違反する.
To refuse to follow the instructions or orders of a person in authority.
The most natural and common way to say a child or subordinate disobeys. Literally "does not listen to what (someone) says."
子供が親の言うことを聞かない。
The child disobeys their parents.
彼は上司の言うことを聞かなかった。
He disobeyed his boss.
The negative form of 従う (to obey). A direct and somewhat formal way to say "disobey" a person or order.
命令に従わない兵士
a soldier who disobeys orders
彼は両親に従わなかった。
He disobeyed his parents.
To go against, defy, or oppose someone's will. Stronger than 従わない, implying active resistance.
To not carry out a direct order or instruction, especially in military or strict hierarchical contexts.
The standard phrase for disobeying orders, especially in military or formal settings.
命令に背いた兵士は罰せられた。
The soldier who disobeyed orders was punished.
A more direct and slightly less formal way to say "disobey an order."
彼は命令に従わなかった。
He disobeyed the order.
Means "to refuse" or "reject." Used when someone actively refuses to obey an order.
命令を拒否した。
He refused to obey the order (disobeyed).
違反する is the most neutral and common for violating rules/laws. 背く implies a betrayal of trust or moral duty, often used in formal/written language. 破る is more casual and often used for breaking promises or rules in daily life.
違反する is only used for rules, laws, or regulations. To say "disobey my mother," use 言うことを聞かない or 逆らう, not 母に違反する.
The most natural way to describe a child disobeying a parent is 言うことを聞かない. 逆らう is stronger and implies defiance, while 従わない sounds formal and is less common in everyday family contexts.
彼は規則に違反して罰せられた。
He was punished for disobeying the rules.
息子はいつも私の言うことを聞かない。
My son always disobeys me.
その兵士は直接の命令に背いた。
The soldier disobeyed a direct order.
親に逆らうなんて許せない。
I can't forgive you for disobeying your parents.
上司に逆らうのは怖い。
It's scary to disobey your boss.