verb / noun HSK 5
fǎn pàn
to rebel · to revolt · rebellion

Meaning

反叛 means to rebel against authority or to engage in rebellion. It describes actions or attitudes that oppose, resist, or challenge established power, rules, or norms. The word carries a serious tone and is often used in political, historical, or military contexts, though it can also describe personal defiance.

Usage

反叛 is a formal word typically used in written language, news reports, historical accounts, or serious discussions. It's stronger than simply 'disobeying' and implies active resistance or uprising. When describing teenage rebellion or minor defiance, natives might prefer lighter terms like 叛逆 (pàn nì). Common collocations include 反叛军 (rebel army) and 反叛行为 (rebellious behavior).

Examples

  1. 01
    这个地区的反叛军占领了几个重要城市。
    Zhège dìqū de fǎn pàn jūn zhàn lǐng le zhòngyào chéngshì.
    The rebel forces in this region have occupied several important cities.
  2. 02
    历史上许多农民起义都是因为无法忍受压迫而反叛
    Lìshǐ shàng xǔduō nóngmín qǐyì dōu shì yīnwèi wúfǎ rěnshòu yāpò ér fǎn pàn.
    Many peasant uprisings in history were rebellions because people could no longer endure oppression.

Characters

Common collocations

  • 反叛
    fǎn pàn jūn
    rebel army
  • 反叛政府
    fǎn pàn zhèng
    to rebel against the government
  • 反叛行为
    fǎn pàn xíng wéi
    rebellious behavior
  • 武装反叛
    zhuāng fǎn pàn
    armed rebellion

Antonyms

Origin

The character 叛 combines 半 (half) and 反 (oppose), suggesting a split or turning away. Combined with 反 (oppose), the compound 反叛 intensifies the meaning of opposition and betrayal.

Related