Meaning and Usage
The verb 裏切る (うらぎる) means "to betray" or "to turn traitor." It is commonly used when someone breaks trust or loyalty, especially in relationships, friendships, or agreements.
Common Contexts
This word often appears in emotional or serious contexts, such as personal relationships or political betrayals. It implies a strong negative judgment about the act of disloyalty.
Collocations and Patterns
- 裏切る + 人 (e.g., 友達を裏切る): to betray a person, often a friend or close one.
- 信頼を裏切る: to betray trust.
- 裏切られた気分: feeling betrayed.
Register and Nuance
裏切る is a standard verb used in both spoken and written Japanese. It carries a strong emotional weight and is not used lightly. It is more formal than slang but common in everyday conversation when discussing betrayal.
Common Mistakes
Learners sometimes confuse 裏切る with simple "breaking a promise." However, 裏切る implies a deeper sense of disloyalty or treachery, not just failing to keep a promise. Use it when trust or loyalty is seriously broken.