Translation guide
The state of being actively opposed or hostile to someone or something. In Japanese, this concept is expressed through nouns describing opposition, hostility, or conflict, as well as verbs and adjectives that convey antagonistic attitudes.
Expressing a general state of being opposed or hostile, often in social, political, or personal contexts.
A common noun meaning hostility or antagonism, often used in formal or serious contexts like politics or business rivalries.
There is intense antagonism between the two companies.
Refers to confrontation or conflict, often between groups, ideas, or individuals. It implies a standing opposition.
The antagonism between their opinions is serious.
Antipathy or ill feeling; a personal emotional antagonism rather than a structural conflict.
He feels antagonism toward his new boss.
Hostility or enmity; a strong, often personal, antagonistic feeling.
Clear antagonism showed in her eyes.
Rivalry or contention, often used in competitive contexts like sports or business, implying a balanced struggle.
The antagonism between the two teams continued in a close contest.
Describing actions or behaviors that show active opposition, such as resisting, defying, or working against someone or something.
Rebellion or defiance, often used for teenagers rebelling against parents or authority.
I'm troubled by my son's antagonistic attitude.
To go against, defy, or oppose someone or something. Often used in the negative form to advise against opposition.
To resist or defy, often with a nuance of baring one's fangs; used for strong, confrontational opposition.
Describing a two-way antagonistic relationship, often involving mutual hostility or conflict.
Referring to a natural or structural opposition, such as between muscles, drugs, or philosophical principles.
Antagonistic action, a technical term in biology or pharmacology for opposing effects.
This drug exhibits antagonism.
敵対 (てきたい) is a strong, often formal hostility, like between enemies. 対立 (たいりつ) is a structural conflict or confrontation, often between groups or ideas. 反感 (はんかん) is a personal feeling of antipathy or dislike. Use 敵対 for serious enmity, 対立 for opposing stances, and 反感 for emotional antagonism.
There is no single Japanese word that covers all uses of 'antagonism'. Choose the word that best fits the specific type of opposition or hostility you want to express. Using 敵対 for a minor personal dislike would sound too strong.
上司に逆らうのは得策ではない。
It's not wise to antagonize your boss.
彼は権力に歯向かった。
He showed antagonism against the authorities.
Family antagonism caused him to leave home.