Translation guide
The English prefix "anti-" expresses opposition, prevention, or being against something. In Japanese, this is most commonly expressed with the prefix 反〜 (han-), but other patterns like 抗〜 (kō-), 対〜 (tai-), or アンチ (anchi) are used depending on the context. This guide covers the main ways to convey "anti-" naturally.
Expressing being against a political stance, social movement, or organization.
The most common and productive prefix for "anti-". Attaches to nouns to mean "opposed to" or "against".
He joined the anti-war movement.
Some people hold anti-government views.
Loanword from English, used colloquially for being a fan of hating something or someone, often in pop culture or online contexts.
He's an anti-Giants fan.
There are too many anti comments.
Verb phrase meaning "to oppose". Used when a prefix isn't natural or to emphasize active opposition.
Many people are opposed to the plan.
Describing something that prevents, inhibits, or fights against a condition or threat.
Prefix meaning "anti-" in the sense of resisting or counteracting, often used in medical, scientific, or technical terms.
Take antiviral medication.
Antioxidants are good for the body.
Means "prevention" and can be used in compounds like 防止策 (preventive measures). Often used in formal contexts.
Thoroughly implement anti-virus measures.
Describing something that is the reverse or contrary of the usual type.
Also used for "anti-" in the sense of opposite or reverse, as in 反英雄 (anti-hero).
The protagonist of this movie is an anti-hero.
Expressing opposition directed at a particular individual or institution.
Attach directly to the name or noun. Very common in news and political discourse.
The anti-Trump faction protested.
The anti-establishment movement is spreading.
More colloquial and often used in fan culture or informal criticism.
He's anti-Abe.
反〜 (han-) is the standard prefix for "anti-" and can be used in formal and informal contexts. アンチ (anchi) is a loanword that often carries a nuance of being a hater or having a strong personal dislike, especially in pop culture or online settings. Use 反〜 for neutral opposition and アンチ for more emotional or fandom-related contexts.
Some English words with "anti-" have established Japanese equivalents that don't use 反〜 or 抗〜. For example, "antibiotic" is 抗生物質 (こうせいぶっしつ), not 反生物質. When in doubt, check a dictionary for the specific compound.
Direct loanword for "anti-aging", common in beauty and health industries.
I'm looking for an anti-aging cream.
Loanword for "anticlimax", used in literary or entertainment contexts.
The ending was an anticlimax.