反旗(はんき)

はんき
noun
flag of rebellion; revolt
1. flag of rebellion, revolt
Literally a flag raised in rebellion. Almost exclusively used in the fixed expression 反旗(はんき)を翻(ひるがえ)す (to raise the flag of rebellion), meaning to rebel or revolt against authority.
反旗(はんき)を翻(ひるがえ)す。
Raise the flag of rebellion.
家臣(かしん)が主君(しゅくん)に反旗(はんき)を翻(ひるがえ)した。
The retainer revolted against his lord.
社員(しゃいん)たちが経営陣(けいえいじん)に反旗(はんき)を翻(ひるがえ)し、改革(かいかく)を求(もと)めた。
The employees revolted against management and demanded reforms.

Common collocations

Usage

Almost always appears in the set expression 反旗(はんき)を翻(ひるがえ)す. While the literal meaning involves warfare, it is commonly used figuratively for any act of open defiance against authority — a politician breaking from their party, employees challenging management, or anyone publicly opposing the established order.

general
Added 2026.2.19 20:18 · Revised 2026.9.2 13:01
11500/11988_hanki