Translation guide
Someone who starts or provokes an action, often negative. Japanese has several words depending on whether the instigation is a fight, a plan, a movement, or trouble in general.
The most common meaning: someone who provokes a conflict or stirs up trouble.
The person primarily responsible for starting trouble or a bad situation. Often used in accusations.
He is the instigator of the fight.
The ringleader or mastermind behind a plot or scheme. Implies planning and leadership.
The instigator of the coup was arrested.
Someone who incites others to action, often through speeches or propaganda. Can be used for political agitators.
He was regarded as the instigator of the riot.
Literally 'fire-starter'. A person who sparks a conflict or movement, often used metaphorically.
She was the instigator of the reform.
Someone who starts something, not necessarily negative. Can be a proposer or initiator.
A person who proposes and starts a project or movement. Neutral to positive connotation.
He is the instigator of the charity event.
The person behind a plan or scheme, often used in business or creative contexts. Can be neutral or slightly cunning.
Used in legal, police, or formal reports to denote a person who incites or causes an illegal act.
Legal term for someone who instigates or abets a crime. Formal and technical.
He was indicted as the instigator of the murder.
English 'instigator' often carries a negative nuance, but Japanese equivalents vary widely in connotation. Using 張本人 for a positive initiative would be unnatural. Choose the word based on the nature of the instigation.
張本人 is the direct person responsible for a specific incident, often used in everyday accusations. 首謀者 implies a ringleader who planned and directed a group action, more serious and organized.
このプロジェクトの仕掛け人は彼だ。
He is the instigator of this project.
The person who first suggested something, often in a casual context. Can imply that the person should take responsibility for the idea.
The instigator should do it.