裏切る

• Reading: うらぎる
• Romaji: uragiru
• Kanji breakdown: 裏 (ura) — back, behind; 切 (ki/kiru) — cut
• Pronunciation: /ɯ.ɾa.ɡi.ɾɯ/

Meaning

To betray; to turn traitor. Breaking someone's trust or acting against an ally.

A Group 1 (godan) verb conjugated as 裏切ら/裏切り/裏切る/裏切れ/裏切ろう. Used for betrayal of trust, breaking promises, and also figuratively when expectations are defied — 期待を裏切る (to betray expectations, disappoint) or 予想を裏切る (to defy predictions). The noun form 裏切り means betrayal or treachery.

Examples

1. 親友に裏切られてとてもショックだった。 I was deeply shocked to be betrayed by my best friend.
2. 彼はチームの期待を裏切らなかった。 He didn't let the team's expectations down.
3. 信頼していた人に裏切られるのは辛い。 Being betrayed by someone you trusted is really painful.

Usage Guide

Context: relationships, drama, trust

Tone: serious

Origin & History

Compound of 裏 (ura, back/behind) and 切る (kiru, to cut). Literally 'cutting from behind' — attacking from an unseen angle, violating the implicit pact of loyalty.

Cultural Context

Era: Classical

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal