Translation guide
A person who deliberately damages, obstructs, or undermines something, often secretly or from within.
Enemy saboteurs blew up the bridge.
Descriptive phrase using the loanword サボタージュ (sabotage). More casual and less formal than 破壊工作員.
They found a saboteur in the factory.
General term for an obstructer or interferer. Can be used for a saboteur in broader contexts, but lacks the specific clandestine nuance.
He was accused of being a saboteur of the plan.
Literally 'destroyer'. Can imply a saboteur in certain contexts, but is more direct and less specific to covert actions.
The saboteur was inside the organization.
To describe someone who secretly works against the interests of their own group, often in a non-physical way (e.g., in business, politics, or relationships).
The English word 'saboteur' is often translated directly as サボタージュする人, but this can sound awkward or overly explanatory. In formal or serious contexts, 破壊工作員 is preferred. For internal betrayal, 内通者 or 内部の敵 are more natural.
破壊工作員 is the standard term in news, military, and espionage contexts. サボタージュする人 is a casual, descriptive phrase that may be used in everyday conversation but lacks precision.
He was suspected of being a saboteur from within.
Traitor or betrayer. Can be used for a saboteur who betrays their own side, though it emphasizes betrayal over the act of sabotage.
The saboteur ruined the plan.