Translation guide
The English word "traitor" refers to someone who betrays a person, group, or cause. In Japanese, the most common equivalent is 裏切り者 (uragirimono), but other terms exist depending on the context, such as historical betrayal, espionage, or literary usage. This guide covers natural ways to express the concept, from everyday accusations to formal or dramatic contexts.
To call someone a traitor for betraying a person, group, or trust in everyday situations.
The standard, most common word for 'traitor'. It literally means 'betrayal person' and is used in both serious and casual contexts.
彼は裏切り者だ。
He is a traitor.
裏切り者にはなりたくない。
I don't want to become a traitor.
A variant kanji spelling of 裏切り者, using 切 instead of 切り. Same meaning and usage, but slightly less common in modern writing.
彼を裏切者と呼ぶ者もいる。
Some people call him a traitor.
Means 'rebel' or 'traitor', emphasizing rebellion against authority or a cause. More dramatic than 裏切り者.
彼は組織の反逆者とみなされた。
He was regarded as a traitor to the organization.
To refer to a traitor in a historical, political, or military context, often involving treason.
Means 'traitor to one's country' or 'sellout'. Strongly negative, used for someone who betrays their nation for personal gain.
彼は売国奴として歴史に名を残した。
He went down in history as a traitor to his country.
Literally 'national traitor' or 'enemy of the state'. A formal, strong term for someone who harms their country.
An archaic term for a rebel or traitor against the emperor or sovereign. Used in historical dramas.
To describe a traitor who spies for an enemy or defects, often in a Cold War or spy context.
The loanword 'spy' is commonly used for a traitor who engages in espionage. It implies secret betrayal for another country or organization.
彼は敵側のスパイだった。
He was a spy for the enemy.
Means 'informer' or 'collaborator', someone who secretly communicates with the enemy. Often used in war or spy contexts.
内通者が組織内にいるらしい。
There seems to be a traitor inside the organization.
A phrase combining 'traitor' and 'spy' for emphasis. Redundant but used for dramatic effect.
彼は裏切り者のスパイとして描かれている。
He is portrayed as a traitorous spy.
To use a more literary or dramatic term for traitor, often in fiction or formal writing.
Means 'betrayer' or 'faithless person'. A formal, somewhat literary term emphasizing breach of trust.
彼は背信者として物語に登場する。
He appears in the story as a traitor.
Historical term for someone who plots rebellion or treason. Used in period dramas.
謀反人として捕らえられた。
He was captured as a traitor plotting rebellion.
While 裏切り者 is common, directly calling someone a traitor (裏切り者!) can sound overly dramatic or like anime dialogue. In real-life arguments, Japanese speakers might use softer expressions like ひどい (you're terrible) or 信じられない (I can't believe you) instead of labeling someone a traitor.
ひどい！裏切るなんて！
How could you! Betraying me like that!
裏切り者 focuses on personal betrayal of trust, while 反逆者 implies rebellion against a larger authority or system. Use 裏切り者 for a friend who betrays you, and 反逆者 for someone who turns against their government or organization.
彼は国賊として処刑された。
He was executed as a traitor to the nation.
逆賊として追われる身となった。
He became a fugitive as a traitor to the throne.