叛逆

• Pinyin: pàn nì
• Hanzi breakdown: 叛 = 半 + 反 (half-turned, betrayal); 逆 = 辶 + 屰 (moving against the flow)

Meaning

Rebel; to resist or defy authority, conventions, or established norms; the act or spirit of rebellion.

Used for political rebellion, generational defiance, and countercultural attitudes. In modern usage, frequently describes teenage rebellion or anti-establishment behaviour. Can be used as a verb or noun.

Examples

1. 青春期的孩子往往有强烈的叛逆心理。 Teenagers often have a strong rebellious streak.
2. 她的叛逆行为让思想保守的家人十分困扰。 Her rebellious behavior deeply troubles her conservative family.
3. 这部小说讲述了一个年轻人叛逆与成长的历程。 This novel tells the story of a young person’s rebellion and growth.

Usage Guide

Context: psychology, politics, youth, culture

Tone: neutral

Do Say

• 他在叛逆期做出了许多让父母揪心的冲动决定。(During his rebellious phase, he made many impulsive decisions that worried his parents deeply.)
• 这个艺术团体以叛逆精神著称，敢于挑战传统审美观念。(This art collective is known for its rebellious spirit and its willingness to challenge traditional aesthetic conventions.)

Don't Say

• 他叛逆了公司的规定 — use 违反 for breaking specific rules or regulations; 叛逆 refers to defying authority or norms as a whole

Origin & History

叛 (betray, defect from) + 逆 (oppose, go against the current)

Cultural Context

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal