Grammar to Know
裏切る is a transitive verb, meaning it directly takes an object. The object is typically marked with the particle を (o).
彼は友達を裏切った。 (Kare wa tomodachi o uragitta.) - He betrayed his friend.
It can be used to describe betraying a person, a trust, expectations, or even principles.
期待を裏切る (kitai o uragiru) - to betray expectations; to disappoint.
The ~te form of 裏切る is 裏切って (uragitte). This can be used to connect clauses or indicate a sequential action.
彼は約束を裏切って、行かなかった。 (Kare wa yakusoku o uragitte, ikanakatta.) - He broke his promise and didn't go.
The passive form is 裏切られる (uragirareru), meaning 'to be betrayed.'
私は彼に裏切られた。 (Watashi wa kare ni uragirareta.) - I was betrayed by him.
The potential form is 裏切れる (uragireru), meaning 'can betray,' although it's less commonly used than 'to be able to betray someone's trust' (信頼を裏切ることができる).
たとえ困難でも、私は自分の信念を裏切ることはできない。 (Tatoe konnan demo, watashi wa jibun no shin'nen o uragiru koto wa dekinai.) - Even if it's difficult, I cannot betray my beliefs.
Test Yourself 6 questions
友達を___のはひどいことです。
Context indicates a negative action towards a friend, making 'betray' the appropriate verb.
彼は約束を___ので、もう信用できません。
The sentence implies a broken promise leading to a lack of trust. '破る' (to break) fits this context.
味方に___行為は許されません。
The phrase '味方に___行為' suggests an act against one's allies, making 'betray' the correct choice.
彼女は決して友達を___。
The sentence expresses loyalty, so 'will not betray' is the fitting negation of '裏切る'.
その政治家は国民の信頼を___。
Politicians often lose trust if they betray it. '失った' (lost) works here.
秘密を___のはよくありません。
'明かす' means to reveal, which is a common action with secrets. While '話す' is also possible, '明かす' is more precise for revealing a secret that should be kept.
/ 6 correct
Perfect score!
Example
彼は決して友達を裏切らない。
Related Content
This Word in Other Languages
Related Grammar Rules
More family words
還暦
B160th birthday (celebration of completing a 60-year cycle).
〜くらい
B1About; approximately; to the extent that.
認め合う
B1To recognize each other's worth; to acknowledge.
知人
B1Acquaintance.
顔見知り
A2Acquaintance; someone you know by sight.
甘える
B1To be spoiled, to fawn; to behave like a pampered child.
活発な
B1Active; lively; vigorous.
思春期
B1Adolescence; the period of transition from childhood to adulthood.
養子
B1Adopted child; a child taken into one's family by legal means.
養親
B2Adoptive parent.
