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.
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.
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.
The government succeeded in suppressing the rebels.
Referring to people who oppose a political system or authority, not necessarily through armed conflict.
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.
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.
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.
The rebels occupied the town.
Literally 'resistance force', used for groups that resist authority, often in a political or social movement.
There are rebels within the party opposing reform.
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.
He chose a rebel lifestyle.