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.
The most common and direct term for a traitor or betrayer. It covers anyone who breaks trust, not just in espionage.
He is a double-dealer.
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.
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.
He's nothing but a double-dealer.
A secret informant or collaborator with the enemy. Used in contexts of espionage or wartime betrayal.
The double-dealer sold out the organization.
To refer to someone in espionage who pretends to work for one side while actually serving another.
Direct loanword for 'double agent'. Widely understood in modern contexts.
He was working as a double-dealer.
Alternative loanword, less common than 二重スパイ but still used.
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.
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.
間者が城に潜入した。
A double-dealer infiltrated the castle.