Translation guide
The act of refusing to obey orders or showing disrespect to authority, especially in a workplace or military context.
Expressing that someone is not obeying orders or is being defiant toward a superior.
General term for rebellion or defiance, often used for insubordination in hierarchical relationships like parent-child, teacher-student, or boss-subordinate.
He defied his boss.
To take a defiant attitude.
Directly means 'violation of orders'. Used in formal or military contexts.
He was punished for insubordination.
Common phrase meaning 'doesn't listen/obey'. Used in everyday situations for children, subordinates, etc.
That subordinate never does what he's told.
Formal term for disobedience or noncompliance. Often used in legal or military contexts.
To be charged with insubordination.
Specifically for a subordinate being rude or argumentative toward a boss.
Means 'to talk back' or 'answer back' rudely. Common in workplace or family settings.
Talking back to your boss is unacceptable.
To resist or defy, often with a nuance of going against someone stronger. Can be used for insubordination.
Literally 'to thrust a shield', meaning to oppose or defy. Stronger and more confrontational.
Serious refusal to obey orders in a strict hierarchical organization.
There is no single Japanese word that perfectly matches 'insubordination' in all contexts. Choose the term based on the relationship and severity.
反抗 is broader defiance, while 口答え specifically refers to verbal backtalk. Use 口答え when the insubordination is expressed through words.
彼は権力に歯向かった。
He defied authority.
上司に盾突くとは大胆だ。
It's bold to defy your boss like that.