How to say "defiant" in Japanese

• 反抗的はんこうてきCommon
  na-adjectiveCovers the rebellious sense of 'defiant': refusing to obey or submit to authority. Typical of children talking back to parents or workers resisting a boss; it suggests attitude rather than confrontation.
  子供こどもは反抗的はんこうてきになる傾向けいこうがある。↗

  Children are inclined to be disobedient.
• 挑戦的ちょうせんてき
  na-adjectiveCovers defiance directed at someone as a challenge — provocative, aggressive behavior such as a glaring stare or confrontational remarks. It is a less common word and is really closer to 'challenging' or 'provocative' than plain 'defiant'.
  彼女かのじょは挑戦ちょうせん的てきな態度たいどで両手りょうてを腰こしに当あてて立たっていた。↗

  She stood defiantly with arms akimbo.

Use 反抗的 for stubborn, rebellious defiance of authority, and 挑戦的 for defiance expressed as a challenge or provocation toward an opponent.

Usage comparisons are AI-assisted and cross-checked by multiple models; for study reference only

• 反抗的はんこうてきrebellious
• 挑戦的ちょうせんてきchallenging