Translation guide
A person who says one thing but does another, or who secretly works for two opposing sides. In Japanese, this is expressed through nouns describing betrayal, two-faced behavior, or specific historical terms.
To describe someone who pretends to be loyal but acts against you, or who says one thing and does another.
To refer to someone in espionage who pretends to work for one side while actually serving another.
There is no single Japanese word that perfectly matches 'double-dealer' in all contexts. Using 裏切り者 is the safest general option, but consider the nuance you need.
裏切り者 focuses on the act of betrayal, while 二枚舌 focuses on speaking with a forked tongue. Use 裏切り者 for actions, 二枚舌 for contradictory statements.
The most common and direct term for a traitor or betrayer. It covers anyone who breaks trust, not just in espionage.
彼は裏切り者だ。
He is a double-dealer.
裏切り者は許さない。
I won't forgive a double-dealer.
Literally 'two-tongued', this refers to someone who says contradictory things to different people. It emphasizes duplicity in speech.
あの政治家は二枚舌だ。
That politician is a double-dealer.
A hypocrite; someone who pretends to have virtues or beliefs they do not actually hold. Focuses on moral duplicity.
彼は偽善者に過ぎない。
He's nothing but a double-dealer.
A secret informant or collaborator with the enemy. Used in contexts of espionage or wartime betrayal.
内通者が組織を売った。
The double-dealer sold out the organization.
Direct loanword for 'double agent'. Widely understood in modern contexts.
彼は二重スパイとして活動していた。
He was working as a double-dealer.
Alternative loanword, less common than 二重スパイ but still used.
ダブルスパイの存在が明らかになった。
The existence of a double-dealer came to light.
Historical term for a spy or secret agent, often in feudal contexts. Can imply double-dealing.
間者が城に潜入した。
A double-dealer infiltrated the castle.