B1 noun #39 よく出る 10分で読める

betrayer

A betrayer is a person who breaks the trust or loyalty of another, often by revealing secrets or acting against their interests. They are someone who acts treacherously or disloyally towards an individual, group, country, or cause.

At the A1 level, a 'betrayer' is a very bad person. This person is not a friend. A friend is nice and keeps your secrets. A betrayer is the opposite. If you tell a friend a secret and they tell everyone, they are a betrayer. It is a sad word. You use it when someone you like does something mean to you. For example, if you have a toy and your brother gives it to another boy, you might feel he is a betrayer. It is a person who is not loyal. Loyal means staying with your friends. A betrayer leaves their friends or hurts them. In simple stories, the 'bad guy' is often a betrayer. They pretend to be good, but they are actually bad. You can remember this word by thinking of 'bad' and 'friend' mixed together in a wrong way.
At the A2 level, we can say a betrayer is someone who breaks a promise or trust. Trust is when you believe someone is good and honest. When a person is a betrayer, they stop being honest. They might tell your secrets to other people. They might act like your friend but then help your enemy. It is a noun, which means it is a name for a person. You can say, 'He is a betrayer.' This word is stronger than 'liar.' A liar just says things that are not true. A betrayer does something that hurts a relationship. In many movies, there is a character who seems nice at the start but turns out to be a betrayer at the end. This makes the story very exciting but also very sad for the hero.
At the B1 level, 'betrayer' refers to an individual who violates the trust or loyalty of another person, group, or country. This word is often used in stories, history, and serious conversations. A betrayer is someone who was expected to be loyal but chose to act against those expectations. For instance, if a soldier gives information to the enemy, he is a betrayer of his country. In a business, if an employee steals company secrets to give to a competitor, they are a betrayer. The word implies a conscious decision to be disloyal. It's important to note that 'betrayer' is a noun. The verb is 'to betray,' and the act itself is called 'betrayal.' People use this word to express deep disappointment and hurt because the harm comes from someone they once trusted.
At the B2 level, 'betrayer' is understood as a person who commits an act of treachery or disloyalty. This term is frequently encountered in literature and formal discourse to describe a breach of a moral or legal obligation. A betrayer is not just someone who fails to meet an expectation, but someone who actively undermines a person or cause they were previously committed to. The term carries a significant social stigma; being labeled a betrayer can lead to being ostracized or punished. In political contexts, a betrayer might be called a 'traitor' or a 'turncoat.' In personal contexts, it might refer to someone who reveals confidential information or acts in a way that benefits themselves at the expense of a loved one. The complexity of the word lies in the relationship that existed before the betrayal occurred.
At the C1 level, 'betrayer' is analyzed as a figure who subverts the foundational trust of a social or personal contract. The term often appears in nuanced discussions about ethics, psychology, and political science. A betrayer is seen as a catalyst for systemic or personal collapse, as their actions destroy the 'social capital' of trust. Philosophically, the betrayer is a complex figure; sometimes, what one group calls a betrayer, another group calls a hero or a whistleblower. For example, a person who exposes government corruption might be seen as a betrayer by the state but as a savior by the public. C1 learners should appreciate the emotional gravity and the rhetorical power of the word, using it to describe profound breaches of faith that have lasting consequences on human relationships and institutional integrity.
At the C2 level, 'betrayer' is treated as a potent archetype in the human experience, representing the ultimate subversion of the 'self-other' bond. It is a term used in high-level literary criticism, historical analysis, and philosophical inquiry. A betrayer is often the focal point of tragic narratives, where the betrayal serves as the 'hamartia' or the turning point of the plot. The word evokes deep-seated cultural fears about the fragility of loyalty and the inherent risk in any form of intimacy or alliance. In sophisticated discourse, 'betrayer' is used to explore themes of identity, agency, and the moral ambiguity of conflicting loyalties. A C2 user understands that the label is often subjective and depends heavily on the prevailing power structures and the specific ethical framework being applied to the individual's actions.

betrayer 30秒で

  • A betrayer is a person who breaks trust or loyalty, often by helping an enemy or revealing secrets.
  • The term is a noun and carries a strong negative emotional and moral weight in most contexts.
  • It is commonly used in literature, history, and personal relationships to describe a deep breach of faith.
  • Synonyms include traitor, backstabber, and turncoat, each with slightly different nuances and levels of formality.

The word betrayer is a powerful and emotionally charged noun used to describe an individual who violates a sacred trust, a formal agreement, or a personal bond of loyalty. At its core, a betrayer is someone who was once on the 'inside'—a friend, a family member, a colleague, or a citizen—who then chooses to act in a way that harms their former associates, often for personal gain, survival, or a change in ideology. The term carries a heavy weight of moral judgment; to call someone a betrayer is not merely to describe an action, but to label their character as fundamentally untrustworthy and deceptive. In human history and literature, the betrayer is often viewed as the ultimate villain because their harm comes from a place of intimacy where the victim was most vulnerable.

Interpersonal Context
In friendships or romantic relationships, a betrayer might be someone who shares a deeply personal secret or cheats on a partner. The pain caused by such a person is unique because it involves the destruction of a shared history and the safety that trust provides.

He looked into the eyes of his former best friend and realized he was staring at the betrayer who had sold his secrets to the rival company.

Political and National Context
On a larger scale, a betrayer might be a citizen who leaks state secrets to an enemy nation. In this context, the word is often synonymous with 'traitor,' though 'betrayer' often feels more personal and visceral.

The use of the word often implies a deliberate choice. A person is rarely called a betrayer for making a mistake or an accidental slip of the tongue. Instead, it suggests a calculated move where the individual weighs their loyalty against another motive and chooses the latter. This is why the term is so prevalent in epic storytelling, from the ancient Greek tragedies to modern-day political thrillers. The betrayer is the catalyst for the hero's downfall or the unexpected twist that changes the course of the narrative. When you use this word, you are highlighting the gap between what was expected (loyalty) and what was delivered (deception).

History will remember him not as a leader, but as a betrayer of the very people who put their faith in him.

Professional Context
In the workplace, a betrayer might be a colleague who takes credit for your work or reports your private complaints to management to secure a promotion. It describes the breakdown of the 'team' mentality.

The whistleblower was viewed as a hero by the public, but his colleagues branded him a betrayer of the company's internal culture.

Judas Iscariot is perhaps the most famous betrayer in Western literature, symbolizing the ultimate act of turning against a mentor.

Using the word betrayer requires an understanding of its grammatical role as a common noun and its heavy emotional connotation. It typically functions as the subject or object of a sentence, identifying the person responsible for the act of betrayal. Because it is a count noun, it can be pluralized to 'betrayers' when referring to a group. It is often accompanied by possessive adjectives (e.g., 'my betrayer', 'their betrayer') to emphasize the specific relationship that was violated. When constructing sentences, it is effective to pair the word with verbs that describe the revelation of the betrayal, such as 'revealed', 'unmasked', 'exposed', or 'confronted'.

Direct Identification
The most straightforward use is to label someone directly. 'He is a betrayer.' This is a definitive statement of character.

She couldn't believe that the man she loved was the betrayer the police had been searching for.

Descriptive Phrases
You can add adjectives to specify the type of betrayer. Common pairings include 'cold-hearted betrayer', 'political betrayer', or 'secret betrayer'.

In more complex sentence structures, 'betrayer' can be used to create dramatic irony or to explore the psychological state of the victim. For instance, using the word in the passive voice can emphasize the shock of the discovery: 'The secret was leaked by a betrayer within the inner circle.' This shifts the focus from the action to the existence of a mole or spy. Furthermore, the word is frequently used in the context of justice and retribution. Sentences often describe the consequences a betrayer faces, such as being 'shunned', 'exiled', or 'punished'.

To the soldiers, any man who deserted his post was a betrayer of the highest order.

Metaphorical Usage
Sometimes, inanimate objects or abstract concepts are personified as betrayers. 'My own memory was the betrayer, failing me when I needed it most.'

The harsh winter sun was a betrayer, offering light but no warmth to the freezing travelers.

They searched the room for the betrayer's hidden microphone, knowing their trust had been breached.

The word betrayer is not a word you will hear in every casual conversation, but it appears frequently in specific high-stakes environments. One of the most common places to encounter it is in dramatic literature and film. Think of Shakespearean plays, fantasy novels like 'Game of Thrones', or spy movies. In these settings, the reveal of the betrayer is a central plot point that drives the emotional climax. When a character screams, 'You betrayer!', it signals a total breakdown of a relationship and the beginning of a conflict. It is a word of accusation, meant to sting and isolate the person being addressed.

News and Journalism
In investigative journalism, especially regarding political scandals or corporate fraud, 'betrayer' is used to describe insiders who provide information to the press. Depending on the perspective, this person might be called a 'whistleblower' (positive) or a 'betrayer' (negative).

The documentary focused on the betrayer who leaked the classified documents to the public.

Religious and Historical Texts
Religious sermons and history books often use the term to describe figures who changed the course of history through disloyalty. Figures like Judas Iscariot or Marcus Brutus are eternally labeled as betrayers in the collective human memory.

You might also hear this word in legal proceedings, though more formal terms like 'informant' or 'witness' are preferred. However, in the closing arguments of a trial involving a breach of contract or fiduciary duty, a lawyer might use 'betrayer' to appeal to the jury's sense of moral outrage. In the world of sports, fans often use the word to describe a star player who leaves their home team to join a rival, especially if the move was done in a way that felt deceptive. In these cases, the 'betrayal' is of the fans' emotional investment and loyalty.

When the captain signed with the rival team, the fans burned his jersey and called him a betrayer.

In the courtroom, the prosecutor pointed a finger at the defendant, labeling him a betrayer of the public trust.

The podcast explored the psychology of the betrayer, asking what drives a person to turn against their own family.

While betrayer is a relatively straightforward noun, there are several common pitfalls that learners and even native speakers can fall into. The most frequent mistake is confusing the noun 'betrayer' (the person) with the noun 'betrayal' (the act). For example, saying 'He committed a betrayer' is grammatically incorrect; the correct form is 'He committed a betrayal' or 'He is a betrayer'. Another common error involves the level of formality. Using 'betrayer' in a casual, low-stakes situation—like a friend forgetting to bring a snack—can come across as overly dramatic or sarcastic. It is important to match the weight of the word to the severity of the action.

Confusion with 'Traitor'
While often interchangeable, 'traitor' is usually reserved for crimes against a country or a large organization (treason). Calling someone a 'betrayer' is more personal. Don't use 'traitor' when a friend tells a small secret; 'betrayer' (if used at all) or 'backstabber' is more appropriate.

Incorrect: The betrayer of his country was sentenced to life. (Better: The traitor to his country...)

Spelling and Suffixes
Some learners try to use 'betrayist' or 'betrayor'. Neither of these are words. The only correct noun form for the person is 'betrayer'.

Another mistake is failing to specify who or what was betrayed. Because 'betrayer' is so relational, it often sounds incomplete without context. Instead of just saying 'He is a betrayer', it is much more effective to say 'He is a betrayer of his own principles' or 'She was a betrayer of our trust'. This provides the necessary background for the reader or listener to understand the nature of the offense. Lastly, be careful with the plural form. 'Betrayers' refers to multiple individuals, but it is rarely used to describe a general class of people unless you are speaking in a very philosophical or literary tone.

Incorrect: I feel like a betrayer because I forgot her birthday. (Correction: This is too dramatic; use 'I feel terrible' instead.)

Correct: The betrayer was eventually caught when he tried to sell the stolen data a second time.

The English language is rich with synonyms for betrayer, each carrying a slightly different nuance or level of formality. Choosing the right one depends on the context of the betrayal and the relationship between the parties involved. For example, 'traitor' is the most common synonym, but it implies a breach of loyalty to a large group or a cause, often with legal or political consequences. In contrast, 'backstabber' is a highly informal, slang-heavy term used for personal betrayals among friends or coworkers, usually involving gossip or minor acts of disloyalty.

Betrayer vs. Traitor
A 'betrayer' is anyone who breaks trust. A 'traitor' specifically breaks trust with their country or a specific side in a war. 'Traitor' is a legal term; 'betrayer' is a moral one.
Betrayer vs. Informant
An 'informant' (or 'snitch') provides information to authorities. While the group they belong to might call them a 'betrayer', the authorities might call them a 'source' or a 'cooperating witness'.

Other alternatives include 'turncoat', which specifically describes someone who switches their allegiance from one political party or army to another. 'Judas' is a common literary allusion to the biblical figure, used to describe a betrayer who was once a very close and trusted companion. For a more formal or academic tone, you might use 'perfidious person', though 'perfidious' is more commonly used as an adjective. If the betrayal involves revealing secrets, 'mole' or 'spy' might be more accurate in a professional or espionage context. Understanding these distinctions allows for more precise and evocative writing.

He was called a turncoat after he joined the opposing political campaign just weeks before the election.

The gang suspected there was a snitch among them who was talking to the police.

She felt like a Judas for accepting the promotion that her best friend had been working toward for years.

How Formal Is It?

フォーマル

"The defendant was characterized as a betrayer of his fiduciary responsibilities."

ニュートラル

"He was a betrayer of the team's secrets."

カジュアル

"I can't believe he was the betrayer all along!"

Child friendly

"The betrayer in the story was the sneaky fox who told the wolf where the rabbits were."

スラング

"That guy is a straight-up betrayer; don't tell him anything."

豆知識

The root of 'betrayer' is the same as the root for 'tradition'. While 'betrayer' means handing someone over to an enemy, 'tradition' means handing something down to the next generation.

発音ガイド

UK /bɪˈtreɪ.ə/
US /bɪˈtreɪ.ɚ/
The stress is on the second syllable: be-TRAY-er.
韻が合う語
slayer player prayer layer conveyor surveyor stayer payer
よくある間違い
  • Pronouncing the first syllable as 'bee' instead of 'bih'.
  • Adding an extra 'i' sound like 'betray-ier'.
  • Putting the stress on the first syllable.
  • Mumbling the 'tr' sound.
  • Forgetting the 'er' ending.

難易度

読解 3/5

The word is common in literature and news, making it easy to recognize.

ライティング 4/5

Requires understanding of the emotional weight and correct noun/verb usage.

スピーキング 4/5

Needs correct stress on the second syllable to sound natural.

リスニング 3/5

Easily identified by its distinct 'tray' sound.

次に学ぶべきこと

前提知識

trust loyal secret friend enemy

次に学ぶ

treachery treason perfidy allegiance fiduciary

上級

machiavellian subversive duplicitous apostate renegade

知っておくべき文法

Noun vs. Verb

He is a betrayer (noun). He will betray (verb) us.

Possessive Nouns

The betrayer's (possessive) motives were unclear.

Relative Clauses

The man who (relative pronoun) was the betrayer has fled.

Articles with Nouns

A (indefinite) betrayer is often a (indefinite) former friend.

Pluralization

Many betrayers (plural) were involved in the plot.

レベル別の例文

1

He is a betrayer because he told my secret.

Il est un traître parce qu'il a dit mon secret.

Subject + is + a + noun.

2

Do not be a betrayer to your friends.

Ne sois pas un traître envers tes amis.

Imperative negative form.

3

The betrayer took the boy's favorite toy.

Le traître a pris le jouet préféré du garçon.

The + noun + verb (past tense).

4

Is he a betrayer or a friend?

Est-il un traître ou un ami ?

Question form with 'or'.

5

I don't like a betrayer.

Je n'aime pas les traîtres.

Simple present negative.

6

The dog saw the betrayer and barked.

Le chien a vu le traître et a aboyé.

Compound sentence with 'and'.

7

She was a betrayer in the story.

Elle était une traîtresse dans l'histoire.

Past tense of 'to be'.

8

A betrayer is a very bad person.

Un traître est une très mauvaise personne.

Noun definition structure.

1

The betrayer revealed the secret location of the camp.

Le traître a révélé l'emplacement secret du camp.

Use of 'revealed' with 'betrayer'.

2

Nobody wants to work with a known betrayer.

Personne ne veut travailler avec un traître connu.

Adjective 'known' modifying the noun.

3

He felt like a betrayer when he left his team.

Il s'est senti comme un traître quand il a quitté son équipe.

Simile using 'felt like'.

4

The king punished the betrayer for his lies.

Le roi a puni le traître pour ses mensonges.

Verb + object + prepositional phrase.

5

She realized her best friend was the betrayer.

Elle a réalisé que sa meilleure amie était la traîtresse.

Noun clause as an object.

6

The betrayer was caught by the police last night.

Le traître a été attrapé par la police hier soir.

Passive voice.

7

He is not a hero; he is a betrayer.

Ce n'est pas un héros ; c'est un traître.

Contrast using a semicolon.

8

The betrayer's name was written in the book.

Le nom du traître était écrit dans le livre.

Possessive form 'betrayer's'.

1

The company fired the betrayer who sold the patents.

L'entreprise a licencié le traître qui a vendu les brevets.

Relative clause starting with 'who'.

2

A true betrayer often hides behind a smile.

Un vrai traître se cache souvent derrière un sourire.

Adverb 'often' placement.

3

History is full of stories about famous betrayers.

L'histoire est pleine d'histoires sur des traîtres célèbres.

Plural noun 'betrayers'.

4

He was labeled a betrayer by his political party.

Il a été qualifié de traître par son parti politique.

Passive voice with 'labeled'.

5

The betrayer's actions led to the failure of the mission.

Les actions du traître ont conduit à l'échec de la mission.

Possessive noun acting as a subject.

6

She could never forgive the betrayer who broke her heart.

Elle ne pourrait jamais pardonner au traître qui lui a brisé le cœur.

Modal verb 'could' with 'never'.

7

The spy was a clever betrayer who worked for both sides.

L'espion était un traître habile qui travaillait pour les deux camps.

Adjective 'clever' modifying 'betrayer'.

8

They searched for the betrayer within their own ranks.

Ils ont cherché le traître au sein de leurs propres rangs.

Prepositional phrase 'within their own ranks'.

1

The betrayer's identity remained a mystery for decades.

L'identité du traître est restée un mystère pendant des décennies.

Subject-verb-complement structure.

2

He was accused of being a betrayer of the public trust.

Il a été accusé d'être un traître à la confiance publique.

Gerund phrase 'being a betrayer'.

3

The novel explores the psychological motives of the betrayer.

Le roman explore les motivations psychologiques du traître.

Complex noun phrase 'psychological motives'.

4

A betrayer often justifies their actions as a necessity.

Un traître justifie souvent ses actions comme une nécessité.

Third person singular present tense.

5

The community shunned the betrayer after the truth came out.

La communauté a fui le traître après que la vérité a éclaté.

Temporal clause starting with 'after'.

6

In the eyes of the law, he was a betrayer of the state.

Aux yeux de la loi, il était un traître à l'État.

Introductory prepositional phrase.

7

The betrayer's confession was recorded on a hidden tape.

La confession du traître a été enregistrée sur une bande cachée.

Passive voice with a possessive subject.

8

She refused to be seen with the man labeled as a betrayer.

Elle a refusé d'être vue avec l'homme qualifié de traître.

Infinitive phrase 'to be seen'.

1

The intricate plot was undone by a single, calculated betrayer.

L'intrigue complexe a été défaite par un seul traître calculateur.

Use of 'calculated' as an attributive adjective.

2

He lived the rest of his life in exile, a broken betrayer.

Il a vécu le reste de sa vie en exil, un traître brisé.

Appositive phrase 'a broken betrayer'.

3

The betrayer's legacy is one of infamy and regret.

L'héritage du traître est celui de l'infamie et du regret.

Abstract nouns 'infamy' and 'regret'.

4

The play depicts the betrayer as a tragic figure rather than a villain.

La pièce dépeint le traître comme une figure tragique plutôt que comme un méchant.

Contrast using 'rather than'.

5

The betrayer's motivations were rooted in a deep sense of injustice.

Les motivations du traître étaient enracinées dans un profond sentiment d'injustice.

Passive construction 'were rooted in'.

6

To call him a betrayer is to simplify a very complex situation.

L'appeler traître, c'est simplifier une situation très complexe.

Infinitive as a subject.

7

The betrayer operated in the shadows for years before being caught.

Le traître a opéré dans l'ombre pendant des années avant d'être pris.

Prepositional phrase 'in the shadows'.

8

The document identifies the betrayer as a high-ranking official.

Le document identifie le traître comme un haut fonctionnaire.

Identifying 'as' structure.

1

The existential dread of being a betrayer haunted him until his death.

L'angoisse existentielle d'être un traître l'a hanté jusqu'à sa mort.

Complex subject with a gerund phrase.

2

The betrayer's subversion of the group's ideals led to its ultimate dissolution.

La subversion des idéaux du groupe par le traître a conduit à sa dissolution finale.

Nominalization 'subversion' and 'dissolution'.

3

Dante placed the ultimate betrayers in the lowest circle of Hell.

Dante a placé les traîtres ultimes dans le cercle le plus bas de l'Enfer.

Proper noun 'Dante' and superlative 'lowest'.

4

The betrayer acts as a mirror, reflecting the vulnerabilities of the betrayed.

Le traître agit comme un miroir, reflétant les vulnérabilités de la personne trahie.

Present participle phrase 'reflecting...'.

5

His role as a betrayer was a calculated move in a much larger geopolitical game.

Son rôle de traître était un mouvement calculé dans un jeu géopolitique bien plus vaste.

Appositive-like structure 'His role as a betrayer'.

6

The betrayer's paradox is that they often believe they are doing the right thing.

Le paradoxe du traître est qu'il croit souvent faire ce qu'il faut.

Noun clause starting with 'that'.

7

Literature often uses the betrayer to explore the fragility of human alliances.

La littérature utilise souvent le traître pour explorer la fragilité des alliances humaines.

Infinitive of purpose 'to explore'.

8

The betrayer's silence was more damning than any verbal confession.

Le silence du traître était plus accablant que n'importe quelle confession verbale.

Comparative structure 'more... than'.

よく使う組み合わせ

known betrayer
political betrayer
unmask the betrayer
ultimate betrayer
betrayer of trust
betrayer of secrets
cold-blooded betrayer
secret betrayer
accused betrayer
self-confessed betrayer

よく使うフレーズ

labeled a betrayer

the face of a betrayer

a betrayer in our midst

branded as a betrayer

betrayer of the people

no room for a betrayer

once a betrayer, always a betrayer

the heart of a betrayer

betrayer of the faith

unmasking the betrayer

よく混同される語

betrayer vs betrayal

Betrayal is the act; betrayer is the person who does it.

betrayer vs traitor

Traitor is usually for national or legal contexts; betrayer is more personal.

betrayer vs liar

A liar tells untruths; a betrayer breaks a bond of trust.

慣用句と表現

"a snake in the grass"

A person who pretends to be your friend but is actually a betrayer.

I thought he was my friend, but he's just a snake in the grass.

informal

"bite the hand that feeds you"

To act as a betrayer toward someone who has helped or supported you.

By suing his mentor, he is biting the hand that feeds him.

neutral

"stab someone in the back"

To betray someone who trusts you.

I can't believe you stabbed me in the back by telling the boss.

informal

"sell someone down the river"

To betray someone for personal gain.

He sold his partners down the river to save his own skin.

informal

"wolf in sheep's clothing"

A dangerous betrayer who appears to be harmless.

The new manager seemed nice, but he was a wolf in sheep's clothing.

neutral

"kiss of Judas"

An act of betrayal that appears to be an act of friendship.

His compliment felt like the kiss of Judas.

literary

"play both ends against the middle"

To act as a betrayer by competing with two sides for one's own benefit.

He was playing both ends against the middle, helping both companies.

neutral

"rat on someone"

To act as a betrayer by giving information about someone to the authorities.

He decided to rat on his accomplices to get a shorter sentence.

slang

"throw someone under the bus"

To betray a friend or colleague to avoid trouble for oneself.

She threw her assistant under the bus when the project failed.

informal

"turn state's evidence"

To act as a betrayer by testifying against one's criminal associates.

The driver turned state's evidence to avoid prison.

formal/legal

間違えやすい

betrayer vs traitor

Both involve disloyalty.

Traitor is specific to a country or cause; betrayer is general and personal.

He was a traitor to his country and a betrayer to his family.

betrayer vs deceiver

Both involve lying.

A deceiver misleads people; a betrayer specifically breaks a pre-existing trust.

The deceiver used a fake name, but the betrayer was his own brother.

betrayer vs informant

Both give information away.

Informant is a neutral or legal term; betrayer is a moral judgment.

The police informant was seen as a betrayer by his old gang.

betrayer vs turncoat

Both switch sides.

Turncoat is mostly used for military or political switching.

The turncoat joined the enemy army, becoming a betrayer of his homeland.

betrayer vs backstabber

Both involve secret disloyalty.

Backstabber is informal and usually refers to social or office politics.

She's a backstabber who gossips, but he's a true betrayer who stole the company's money.

文型パターン

A1

He is a [noun].

He is a betrayer.

A2

The [noun] [verb] the [object].

The betrayer told the secret.

B1

He was a [noun] who [verb].

He was a betrayer who sold the secrets.

B2

Being a [noun] is [adjective].

Being a betrayer is shameful.

C1

The [noun]'s [noun] was [adjective].

The betrayer's motivation was complex.

C2

To be a [noun] is to [verb].

To be a betrayer is to destroy trust.

B1

They called him a [noun].

They called him a betrayer.

B2

He felt like a [noun].

He felt like a betrayer.

語族

名詞

動詞

形容詞

関連

使い方

frequency

Common in literature, news, and drama; rare in casual daily speech.

よくある間違い
  • He did a betrayer. He is a betrayer. / He committed a betrayal.

    'Betrayer' is a person, not an action.

  • The betrayer of the country. The traitor to the country.

    'Traitor' is the more accurate term for national disloyalty.

  • My betrayer friend. My betraying friend. / My friend, the betrayer.

    'Betrayer' is a noun, not an adjective.

  • He is a betrayor. He is a betrayer.

    The suffix is '-er', not '-or'.

  • She is a betrayer because she forgot my name. She is forgetful.

    'Betrayer' is too strong for a simple mistake.

ヒント

Context Matters

Only use 'betrayer' for serious breaches of trust. For small things, use 'unreliable' or 'mean'.

Noun/Verb Check

Always remember: 'He is a betrayer' (person) but 'He committed a betrayal' (action).

Synonym Choice

Use 'backstabber' for office gossip and 'traitor' for national secrets.

Stress the Tray

The middle syllable 'tray' is the most important part of the word's sound.

Show, Don't Just Tell

Instead of just calling someone a betrayer, describe the trust they broke first.

Tone Recognition

If you hear this word in a movie, expect a big emotional scene to follow.

Historical Allusions

Calling someone a 'Judas' is a very strong way to call them a betrayer in Western culture.

Be Careful

Calling someone a betrayer to their face is a very aggressive act and can end a relationship.

Word Family

Learning 'betray', 'betrayal', and 'betrayer' together helps you remember the whole concept.

Visual Link

Visualize a broken heart or a broken chain when you think of the word betrayer.

暗記しよう

記憶術

Think of a 'B'ad 'Tray'er. A person who carries a 'tray' of your secrets and drops them in front of your enemies is a 'B-etrayer'.

視覚的連想

Imagine a person wearing a mask with a friendly face on the front and a sneaky, laughing face on the back. That is a betrayer.

Word Web

Traitor Backstabber Judas Turncoat Deceiver Informant Mole Snitch

チャレンジ

Write a short paragraph about a fictional betrayer without using the words 'bad' or 'mean'. Focus on the broken trust.

語源

The word 'betrayer' comes from the verb 'betray', which emerged in Middle English as 'bitrayen'. This was a combination of the prefix 'be-' (used as an intensifier) and the Old French word 'traïr', meaning 'to hand over' or 'to deliver'.

元の意味: The original sense was literally to 'hand over' someone to an enemy, similar to the Latin 'tradere'.

Indo-European > Latin > Old French > Middle English.

文化的な背景

Be careful using this word in professional settings; it can be seen as inflammatory or unprofessional. Use 'breach of contract' or 'conflict of interest' instead.

In English-speaking countries, calling someone a 'betrayer' is a very serious and dramatic accusation, often reserved for major life events.

Judas Iscariot (Biblical) Benedict Arnold (American Revolution) Marcus Brutus (Ancient Rome)

実生活で練習する

実際の使用場面

Literature

  • the tragic betrayer
  • a web of betrayal
  • the reveal of the betrayer
  • betrayer of the crown

Politics

  • betrayer of the party
  • labeled a betrayer
  • betrayer of the public trust
  • unmasking the betrayer

Relationships

  • betrayer of my heart
  • you are a betrayer
  • forgiving a betrayer
  • a secret betrayer

History

  • famous betrayers
  • the betrayer's role
  • betrayer of the nation
  • the legacy of a betrayer

Crime

  • betrayer in the gang
  • the snitch as a betrayer
  • the betrayer's testimony
  • catching the betrayer

会話のきっかけ

"Have you ever seen a movie where the betrayer was the person you least expected?"

"In history, who do you think is the most famous betrayer of all time?"

"Is it ever okay to be a betrayer if you are doing it for a good reason?"

"How would you react if you found out a close friend was a betrayer?"

"Do you think a betrayer can ever be trusted again after they apologize?"

日記のテーマ

Write about a time you felt like a betrayer, even for something small. How did it feel?

Describe a fictional character who is a betrayer. What were their reasons for their actions?

Reflect on the difference between a 'betrayer' and a 'whistleblower'. Are they ever the same?

If you were a king, how would you handle a betrayer in your royal court?

Write a letter to a betrayer (real or imaginary) expressing how their actions affected you.

よくある質問

10 問

It is common in books, movies, and news, but in daily life, people often use 'backstabber' or 'traitor' depending on the situation.

Usually, the word has a very negative meaning. However, in some stories, a person might betray a 'bad' group to do something 'good', like a whistleblower.

A traitor is usually someone who betrays their country (treason). A betrayer can betray anyone, like a friend or a family member.

It is pronounced be-TRAY-er, with the stress on the second syllable.

It is a noun. The verb is 'betray'.

It is usually for people, but can be used for things that 'fail' you.

The opposite would be a 'loyalist', 'ally', or 'faithful friend'.

It is neutral to formal. It is more formal than 'backstabber' but less formal than 'perfidious'.

No, but 'betraying' can be an adjective. 'Betrayer' is always a noun.

Judas Iscariot, Benedict Arnold, and Brutus are the most famous examples.

自分をテスト 180 問

writing

Describe a time you saw a betrayer in a movie. What did they do?

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

正解! おしい! 正解:
writing

Write a short story about a secret betrayer in a castle.

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

正解! おしい! 正解:
writing

Explain the difference between a 'betrayer' and a 'traitor'.

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

正解! おしい! 正解:
writing

Write a dialogue between a person and their betrayer.

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

正解! おしい! 正解:
writing

Why is a betrayer often seen as the worst kind of villain?

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

正解! おしい! 正解:
writing

Write a sentence using 'betrayer' and 'secret'.

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

正解! おしい! 正解:
writing

How does a betrayer justify their actions? Write a short paragraph.

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

正解! おしい! 正解:
writing

Describe the feelings of someone who has been hurt by a betrayer.

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

正解! おしい! 正解:
writing

Is a whistleblower a betrayer? Argue your point in 50 words.

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

正解! おしい! 正解:
writing

Write a sentence using the plural form 'betrayers'.

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

正解! おしい! 正解:
writing

What are the consequences for a betrayer in a professional setting?

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

正解! おしい! 正解:
writing

Write a poem about a betrayer (4 lines).

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

正解! おしい! 正解:
writing

How can you tell if someone is a potential betrayer?

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

正解! おしい! 正解:
writing

Write a letter to a historical betrayer.

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

正解! おしい! 正解:
writing

What is the opposite of being a betrayer? Describe it.

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

正解! おしい! 正解:
writing

Use the idiom 'snake in the grass' in a sentence about a betrayer.

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

正解! おしい! 正解:
writing

Write a summary of a famous betrayal from history.

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

正解! おしい! 正解:
writing

How do you rebuild trust after a betrayer has been found?

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

正解! おしい! 正解:
writing

Write a character profile for a 'clever betrayer'.

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

正解! おしい! 正解:
writing

Define 'betrayer' in your own words for a child.

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

正解! おしい! 正解:
speaking

Pronounce 'betrayer' three times. Where is the stress?

Read this aloud:

正解! おしい! 正解:
speaking

Describe a famous betrayer from history in one minute.

Read this aloud:

正解! おしい! 正解:
speaking

Tell a story about a fictional betrayer.

Read this aloud:

正解! おしい! 正解:
speaking

Discuss if a whistleblower is a betrayer or a hero.

Read this aloud:

正解! おしい! 正解:
speaking

Use 'betrayer' in a sentence about a sports team.

Read this aloud:

正解! おしい! 正解:
speaking

How would you confront a betrayer? Roleplay the scene.

Read this aloud:

正解! おしい! 正解:
speaking

What are the common synonyms for betrayer? List five.

Read this aloud:

正解! おしい! 正解:
speaking

Explain the idiom 'snake in the grass'.

Read this aloud:

正解! おしい! 正解:
speaking

Why is loyalty important to avoid being a betrayer?

Read this aloud:

正解! おしい! 正解:
speaking

Talk about a movie where the betrayer was a surprise.

Read this aloud:

正解! おしい! 正解:
speaking

Is 'betrayer' a common word in your language?

Read this aloud:

正解! おしい! 正解:
speaking

What is the difference between a liar and a betrayer?

Read this aloud:

正解! おしい! 正解:
speaking

How does a betrayer affect a community?

Read this aloud:

正解! おしい! 正解:
speaking

Use 'betrayer' in a formal sentence.

Read this aloud:

正解! おしい! 正解:
speaking

What is the plural of betrayer? Use it in a sentence.

Read this aloud:

正解! おしい! 正解:
speaking

Can a child be a betrayer? Why or why not?

Read this aloud:

正解! おしい! 正解:
speaking

Describe the visual of a betrayer.

Read this aloud:

正解! おしい! 正解:
speaking

Why do people become betrayers?

Read this aloud:

正解! おしい! 正解:
speaking

Is it possible to forgive a betrayer?

Read this aloud:

正解! おしい! 正解:
speaking

Give an example of a 'betrayer of the public trust'.

Read this aloud:

正解! おしい! 正解:
listening

Listen to the word: /bɪˈtreɪ.ə/. Which syllable is stressed?

正解! おしい! 正解:
正解! おしい! 正解:
listening

Listen to the sentence: 'The betrayer was caught.' What happened to the person?

正解! おしい! 正解:
正解! おしい! 正解:
listening

Listen for the synonym: 'He is a traitor.' Is this the same as a betrayer?

正解! おしい! 正解:
正解! おしい! 正解:
listening

Listen to the tone: 'You... betrayer!' Is the speaker happy or angry?

正解! おしい! 正解:
正解! おしい! 正解:
listening

Listen to the phrase: 'A known betrayer.' Does this mean many people know him?

正解! おしい! 正解:
正解! おしい! 正解:
listening

Listen to the idiom: 'Snake in the grass.' What kind of person is it?

正解! おしい! 正解:
正解! おしい! 正解:
listening

Listen for the word 'betrayer' in a news clip about politics.

正解! おしい! 正解:
正解! おしい! 正解:
listening

Listen to the difference: 'betrayal' vs 'betrayer'. Which one is the person?

正解! おしい! 正解:
正解! おしい! 正解:
listening

Listen to the pronunciation of 'betrayer' in UK vs US English.

正解! おしい! 正解:
正解! おしい! 正解:
listening

Listen to a story about Brutus. Is he called a betrayer?

正解! おしい! 正解:
正解! おしい! 正解:
listening

Listen for the plural 'betrayers' in a sentence.

正解! おしい! 正解:
正解! おしい! 正解:
listening

Listen to the sentence: 'She felt like a betrayer.' Does she feel good?

正解! おしい! 正解:
正解! おしい! 正解:
listening

Listen to the word 'mole'. In a spy context, what does it mean?

正解! おしい! 正解:
正解! おしい! 正解:
listening

Listen to the word 'Judas'. Why is it used for a betrayer?

正解! おしい! 正解:
正解! おしい! 正解:
listening

Listen to the sentence: 'The betrayer's silence was damning.' What does 'damning' mean?

正解! おしい! 正解:
正解! おしい! 正解:

/ 180 correct

Perfect score!

役に立った?
まだコメントがありません。最初に考えをシェアしましょう!