裏社会(うらしゃかい)

うらしゃかい
noun
underworld; criminal world; underground society
society
1. underworld; criminal world; underground society
The hidden side of society where criminal and illicit activities take place. Encompasses organized crime, black markets, and illegal networks operating outside the law.
裏社会(うらしゃかい)とのつながりが発覚(はっかく)した。
His connections to the underworld were exposed.
その映画(えいが)は裏社会(うらしゃかい)の実態(じったい)を描(えが)いている。
That movie depicts the reality of the underworld.
警察(けいさつ)は裏社会(うらしゃかい)に流(なが)れる資金(しきん)のルートを追(お)っている。
The police are tracking the flow of funds into the underworld.

Literally "back society" or "reverse-side society." The prefix 裏(うら) (back, hidden side) contrasts with 表(おもて) (front, public side), reflecting the idea of a hidden world operating behind the visible surface of society. Frequently encountered in crime fiction, news reports, and documentaries.

Common collocations

  • 裏社会(うらしゃかい)の人間(にんげん): people from the underworld
  • 裏社会(うらしゃかい)とのつながり: connections to the underworld
  • 裏社会(うらしゃかい)に足(あし)を踏(ふ)み入(い)れる: to set foot in the underworld
  • 裏社会(うらしゃかい)を牛耳(ぎゅうじ)る: to control the underworld

Similar words

Related Words

Compare: 暗黒街(あんこくがい) (dark streets)
Compare: 犯罪組織(はんざいそしき) (criminal organization)
general
Added 2026.5.6 20:07 · Revised 2026.9.2 13:02
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