PrettyFluent
This is just a lesson preview. Get the interactive lesson free on PrettyFluent
🚫

How to Say ‘Do not defy’ in Japanese

逆らわねえって

sakarawa nee tte

[sakarawa nee tte]

💬 Usage Tip: [ねえ] here is a rough spoken version of [ない], so [逆らわねえ] means [逆らわない] "won't defy." You'll hear this a lot in tough male speech: [知らねえ] for [知らない], [わかんねえ] for [わからない].

🇯🇵 In Japan: This sounds very rough and masculine, the kind of speech you hear in anime, delinquent talk, or emotionally charged scenes. In real life, using forms like [ねえ] with strangers can come off as aggressive.

Phrase Breakdown

逆らわ

sakarawa

[sakarawa]

to oppose

To act against or resist.

Example

彼に逆らわねえって言った。

I said I wouldn't oppose him.

ねえ

nee

[nee]

not

Informal negative form of a verb.

Example

食べねえって言った。

I said I won't eat.

って

tte

[tte]

quoted speech

Indicates a quote or indirect speech.

Example

彼が行くって言った。

He said he's going.

Get the Full Learning Experience

This lesson is just a preview. Download PrettyFluent to practice pronunciation, roleplay conversations, and master vocabulary with spaced repetition.

Pronunciation Feedback

AI-powered speech recognition to perfect your accent

Spaced Repetition

Retain vocabulary long-term with smart practice

Immersive Roleplaying

Practice real conversations with AI partners

Custom Scenarios

Request lessons tailored to your specific needs

Download PrettyFluent on the App StoreGet Full Lesson

What Learners Are Saying

“Teaching in Osaka and I wanted to connect with my students beyond the classroom. The everyday conversation scenarios made my Japanese feel natural, not textbook-y.”

Mia S., 25, English Teacher

“Moved to Tokyo and the polite vs. casual speech levels were killing me. This app breaks it all down with real scenarios. My coworkers noticed the difference in weeks.”

Kevin Z., 31, Game Developer

“I tried five different apps before this one. The roleplay conversations are what finally made things click. I actually remember what I learn now.”

Sofia R., 31, Marketing Manager