Translation guide
Describes a person, attitude, or behavior that resists authority, rules, or social norms. Japanese expressions vary by nuance: defiance against authority, nonconformity, or a general unruly nature.
To describe a person or behavior that actively resists or disobeys authority, rules, or expectations.
The most direct and common translation for 'rebellious,' used for attitudes or behaviors that resist authority, parents, teachers, etc.
He took a rebellious attitude toward his parents.
Rebellious students don't listen to the teacher.
Stronger than 反抗的, implying rebellion against a system or higher authority, sometimes with a revolutionary nuance.
His rebellious ideas criticized the government.
A common phrase meaning 'doesn't listen/obey,' often used for children or subordinates. Less formal than 反抗的.
My child is really rebellious (doesn't listen).
Means 'uncontrollable' or 'out of hand,' used for someone who is so rebellious they cannot be managed.
He is an uncontrollable, rebellious teenager.
To describe someone who rejects conventional behavior, fashion, or thinking, often in a creative or individualistic way.
Means 'unconventional' or 'breaking the mold,' often positive, for someone who defies norms in a creative or bold way.
Her rebellious fashion attracted attention.
Specifically anti-establishment, used for political or social rebellion against the system.
Literally 'heresy,' used metaphorically for someone who goes against mainstream thinking, often in intellectual or artistic contexts.
To describe a phase or personality marked by wild, disobedient behavior, often associated with adolescence.
Describes a mischievous, unruly child or teenager; implies naughtiness rather than serious defiance. Common in parenting contexts.
He was very rebellious/wild when he was little.
Refers to a juvenile delinquent or 'bad kid,' often associated with rebellious youth subculture.
Means 'to be rough/wild,' used for a person going through a stormy, rebellious phase, often emotionally unstable.
That school has many rebellious (troubled) students.
The English phrase 'rebellious phase' is often translated as 反抗期 (はんこうき), which specifically refers to a developmental stage of rebellion, especially in children. Using 反抗的な時期 is less natural.
My son is going through a rebellious phase.
反抗的 is the everyday word for defiance against immediate authority (parents, teachers). 反逆的 implies a larger-scale rebellion against systems or society, and can sound more dramatic or political.
He is known as a rebellious, anti-establishment artist.
His rebellious way of thinking sparked much controversy.
In high school, he was in a rebellious gang.