Translation guide
The English word 'unrest' refers to a state of dissatisfaction, disturbance, or agitation, often in a social or political context. In Japanese, the translation depends on the type of unrest: social/political turmoil, personal unease, or general instability.
To describe widespread public disorder, protests, riots, or civil disturbance.
Refers to riots, civil disturbances, or large-scale public disorder. Often used in news reports.
Unrest continues in that country.
Implies upheaval or violent disturbance, often political. Slightly more intense than 騒乱.
Survive an era of unrest.
Means instability. Often used in phrases like 政情不安定 (political instability).
Political unrest continues.
Describes a tense, uneasy atmosphere, often before unrest breaks out. Literary or formal.
There is an air of unrest.
To express inner turmoil, anxiety, or restlessness.
General word for anxiety or unease. Covers personal feelings of unrest.
He couldn't hide his inner unrest.
Emotional disturbance or agitation, often from shock or worry.
Feeling restless or unable to settle down. Casual.
I feel a sense of unrest.
To describe a state of disorder or lack of peace in a broader sense.
騒乱 (sōran) is the most direct equivalent for civil unrest or riots. 動乱 (dōran) implies larger-scale upheaval, often political. 混乱 (konran) is broader, meaning confusion or chaos, and can apply to non-political situations like organizational disorder.
For personal unease, do not use 騒乱 or 動乱. Use 不安 or 動揺 instead. Saying '心の騒乱' is unnatural.
The country is experiencing political unrest.
He felt a deep sense of unrest.
その知らせに彼女は動揺した。
She was unsettled by the news.
小さな騒動が起きた。
A minor unrest occurred.