Translation guide
An organized, often violent uprising against an established government or authority. In Japanese, the most common and direct term is 反乱 (hanran), but other words carry nuances of scale, legality, and historical context.
To refer to a general, often armed, uprising against authority, such as a government or ruler.
The most common and neutral term for rebellion, insurrection, or revolt. Can be used for historical and modern contexts.
その国で大規模な反乱が起きた。
A large-scale insurrection occurred in that country.
反乱軍が首都を占拠した。
The rebel army occupied the capital.
Refers to a riot or violent disturbance, often by a crowd. Less organized than 反乱, and may not aim to overthrow the government.
抗議デモが暴動に発展した。
The protest demonstration escalated into a riot.
Literally 'rising up like bees.' Implies a spontaneous or popular uprising, often with a sense of righteous cause. Common in historical contexts.
農民が重税に抗議して蜂起した。
The peasants rose up in insurrection against heavy taxes.
Same reading as 反乱, but uses different kanji. Often implies a larger, more organized rebellion against established order, sometimes with a negative connotation of treason. Less common in everyday use.
彼らは政府に対する叛乱を企てた。
They plotted an insurrection against the government.
To emphasize the military or armed aspect of an insurrection, often with political aims.
Specifically an armed uprising. Combines 武装 (armed) and 蜂起 (uprising).
反政府勢力が武装蜂起した。
Anti-government forces staged an armed insurrection.
Loanword from French 'coup d'état.' Refers to a sudden, often violent seizure of power by a small group, typically within the existing government or military. Not exactly 'insurrection' but often used in similar contexts.
To use a term that appears in legal codes or formal accusations, such as 'sedition' or 'insurrection' in a criminal context.
Refers to civil war, internal disturbance, or insurrection. Often used in legal contexts (e.g., 内乱罪, crime of insurrection).
彼は内乱罪で起訴された。
He was indicted for insurrection.
Legal term for riot or disturbance. Less severe than 内乱, often used in the context of public order offenses.
反乱 (rebellion) is a general term for organized armed resistance. 暴動 (riot) is a violent disturbance by a crowd, often less organized and not necessarily aiming to overthrow the government. 蜂起 (uprising) implies a popular, often spontaneous rising, frequently with a sense of moral justification.
The direct loanword インサレクション is rarely used and sounds unnatural. Use the Japanese terms above instead.
軍部がクーデターを起こした。
The military staged a coup d'état.
騒乱罪で逮捕者が出た。
Arrests were made on charges of rioting.