Translation guide
The English word 'riot' can refer to a violent public disturbance, a disorderly crowd, or a metaphorical outburst. In Japanese, different words are used depending on the scale, formality, and context.
A large-scale, often politically motivated, violent uprising or civil disorder.
The most common and general term for a riot, especially a violent disturbance involving a crowd. Used in news and formal contexts.
A riot broke out in the city last night.
The police were deployed to suppress the riot.
A more formal or legal term for a riot or public disturbance. Often used in legal contexts or news reports.
He was charged with rioting.
Historically refers to a peasant uprising or revolt in feudal Japan. Not used for modern riots.
Peasant riots occurred frequently in the Edo period.
A noisy, chaotic situation involving a group of people, not necessarily violent or political.
A general term for a commotion, uproar, or disturbance. Can range from a loud argument to a small-scale riot.
There's some kind of commotion outside.
A drunk person caused a disturbance.
A big commotion or uproar; emphasizes the scale or intensity of the disturbance.
A sudden, intense display of something non-physical, like emotion or sensory experience.
Literally 'melting pot of ~', used metaphorically to describe a place or situation filled with intense activity or emotion, similar to 'a riot of ~'.
The venue turned into a riot of excitement.
Means 'colorful' or 'variegated', often used to translate 'a riot of color'.
The garden was a riot of color.
Literally 'explosive laughter', used for a 'riot of laughter'.
When 'riot' is used metaphorically (e.g., 'a riot of color'), do not use 暴動. Instead, use descriptive phrases like 色とりどりの or 〜のるつぼ.
暴動 implies a violent, often organized uprising, while 騒ぎ is a broader term for any noisy disturbance or commotion. Use 暴動 for serious riots and 騒ぎ for minor disturbances or metaphorical chaos.
The protest turned into a riot.
The kids are having a riot in the backyard.
The concert venue turned into a huge uproar.
彼の冗談で部屋中が爆笑に包まれた。
His joke caused a riot of laughter in the room.