How to say "rebellion" in Japanese
Choosing the right word
- 反発はんぱつnoun, suru verb, intransitive verbCovers resistance or opposition rather than an organized armed uprising. It typically describes pushback against authority, rules, or expectations, so for a literal rebellion with fighting it is seldom the word you want.
- 謀反むほんnoun, suru verb, intransitive verbA rebellion or revolt against a ruler, colored by the sense of treason. It frames the uprising as an act of treachery against a sovereign or legitimate power rather than neutral armed resistance.
- 騒動そうどうnoun, suru verb, intransitive verbPrimarily turmoil, strife, or riot — civil disorder and commotion rather than a concerted military uprising. Use it when the disturbance is chaotic or unrest-like; it is a marginal choice for a true, organized rebellion.
- 反乱はんらんnoun, suru verb, intransitive verbThe most direct word for rebellion or insurrection: an organized rising against a government or ruling authority, as in mutiny or armed revolt. This is usually the safest choice for the plain sense of 'rebellion'.
- 大乱たいらんnounA rebellion or great uprising of major scale — a large, sweeping disturbance of the peace, often with widespread fighting. Suited to momentous historical revolts rather than small or local ones.
Choose 反乱 for an armed uprising against authority, 謀反 for treasonous revolt, 騒動 for disorder or turmoil, 反発 for resistance or opposition, and 大乱 for a large-scale, momentous rebellion.
Usage comparisons are AI-assisted and cross-checked by multiple models; for study reference only
Japanese equivalents
See also
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