Japanese word

反逆

Pronunciation

Romajihangyaku

Meaning

  • nountreason

Example

彼は国への反逆で逮捕されました。kare wa kuni e no han gyaku de tai ho sa re ma shi ta

He was arrested for treason against his country.

Illustration for 反逆 (treason)

More examples

その兵士は反逆の罪で裁判にかけられました。so no hei shi wa han gyaku no tsumi de sai ban ni ka ke ra re ma shi ta

The soldier was put on trial for treason.

Core concept

Conveys a serious rejection of loyalty to a state or ruling power that may appear as betrayal, revolt, or an uprising.

Common phrases

  • 国家に対する反逆kok ka ni tai su ru han gyaku

    treason against the state

  • 反逆を企てるhan gyaku o kuwada te ru

    plot a rebellion

  • 反逆の疑いhan gyaku no utaga i

    suspicion of treason

Similar words

反乱hanran: An organized attempt to resist or overthrow a government or ruling power.
謀反muhon: A secret or planned attempt to overthrow a ruler or government.

Definition in Japanese

国家への忠誠を捨て、政府などの権威に反抗すること。kok ka e no chū sei o su te sei fu na do no ken i ni han kō su ru ko to

Word origin

The Japanese word 反逆 (hangyaku) is formed from 反 (han, "against") and 逆 (gyaku, "reverse"), linking its form to the act of opposing authority.

Usage tips

  • The phrase an act of treason usually stresses betrayal of the country, while an act of rebellion stresses open resistance, and 反逆 (hangyaku) can correspond to either emphasis.

Other meanings

  • rebellionnoun
  • insurrectionnoun

Opposites

Related words

  • 反逆者hangyakushatraitornoun
  • 反逆的hangyakutekirebelliousna-adjective

Word lists with this word