不忠(ふちゅう)

ふちゅう
noun, na-adjective
disloyalty; infidelity; unfaithfulness
formalliterary
1. disloyalty; unfaithfulness; infidelity
lack of loyalty or faithfulness, especially toward a lord, superior, or spouse
不忠(ふちゅう)な家臣(かしん)は追放(ついほう)された。
The disloyal retainer was banished.
不忠(ふちゅう)の罪(つみ)で罰(ばつ)を受(う)けた。
He was punished for the crime of disloyalty.
戦国時代(せんごくじだい)には、主君(しゅくん)への不忠(ふちゅう)は最(もっと)も重(おも)い罪(つみ)の一(ひと)つとされていた。
In the Warring States period, disloyalty to one's lord was considered one of the gravest offenses.

Composed of 不(ふ) (non-; un-) + 忠(ちゅう) (loyalty; faithfulness). Historically refers to betrayal of feudal loyalty, but can also describe unfaithfulness in other relationships. Most commonly encountered in historical and literary contexts.

Common collocations

Similar words

  • 裏切(うらぎ)り: betrayal; treachery — more emotionally charged and broader in usage
  • 忠義(ちゅうぎ): loyalty; devotion — the positive counterpart to 不忠(ふちゅう)
  • 不貞(ふてい): infidelity; adultery — specifically refers to marital unfaithfulness

Related Words

Compare: 裏切(うらぎ)り (betrayal)
Compare: 忠義(ちゅうぎ) (loyalty)
general
Added 2026.5.1 0:35 · Revised 2026.9.2 13:02
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