Translation guide
The English word "rebels" can refer to people who resist authority, often in a political or military context, or more broadly to anyone who defies norms. In Japanese, the translation depends on the context: organized armed rebels, political insurgents, or nonconformists. This guide covers the most common and natural ways to express these meanings.
Referring to people who take up arms against a government or ruling power, often in a group.
Literally 'rebellion army', this is the standard term for an organized armed rebel force. Common in news and historical contexts.
反乱軍が首都に進軍した。
The rebels advanced on the capital.
Means 'traitor' or 'rebel' in the sense of someone who betrays their lord or country. Often used historically or in dramatic contexts.
彼は王に対する反逆者として処刑された。
He was executed as a rebel against the king.
A formal, somewhat dated term for rebels or insurgents, often used in historical or official reports.
政府は反徒の鎮圧に成功した。
The government succeeded in suppressing the rebels.
Referring to people who oppose a political system or authority, not necessarily through armed conflict.
Means 'anti-establishment faction' and is the most common term for political rebels or dissidents.
反体制派の指導者が逮捕された。
The rebel leader was arrested.
Referring to a person who rebels against societal expectations, rules, or conventions, not necessarily political.
A general term for someone who defies or rebels against authority, rules, or social norms. Can be used for teenagers rebelling against parents, etc.
彼は学校の規則に対する反抗者だ。
He is a rebel against the school rules.
Literally 'heretic child', used for a maverick or someone who goes against the mainstream in a field like art, business, or academia.
彼は業界の異端児として知られている。
He is known as a rebel in the industry.
Loanword from English 'outlaw', used for someone who lives outside the law or societal norms, often with a cool or rebellious image.
English uses 'rebels' as a plural noun, but Japanese often uses collective terms like 反乱軍 (rebel army) or 反体制派 (anti-establishment group) instead of a simple plural. Using 反逆者たち is grammatical but less natural in many contexts.
反乱軍が町を占拠した。
The rebels occupied the town.
Literally 'resistance force', used for groups that resist authority, often in a political or social movement.
改革に反対する抵抗勢力が党内に存在する。
There are rebels within the party opposing reform.
彼はアウトローな生き方を選んだ。
He chose a rebel lifestyle.