Translation guide
The direct opposite or contrast of something, often used in rhetoric, logic, or general comparison.
Expressing that one thing is the complete opposite of another in nature, character, or effect.
The most common and natural way to say 'exact opposite' or 'antithesis' in everyday Japanese. Used for abstract concepts, personalities, or situations.
A rhetorical device where contrasting ideas are placed in parallel structure for effect.
A rhetorical figure of speech using parallel contrasting phrases, similar to English antithesis. Common in classical Chinese poetry and Japanese rhetoric.
Describing a person or concrete thing that embodies the opposite qualities of another.
Pattern for saying 'a person/thing that is the antithesis of ~'. Fill in the reference with the thing being contrasted.
彼は兄とは正反対の人間だ。
He is the antithesis of his older brother.
The English word 'antithesis' is often used in formal or academic contexts. In everyday Japanese, directly translating it as アンチテーゼ sounds overly technical. Use 正反対 for most situations.
彼の考えは私の考えの正反対だ。
His idea is the antithesis of mine. (natural)
彼の考えは私の考えのアンチテーゼだ。
His idea is the antithesis of mine. (unnatural, overly academic)
彼の意見は私の意見と正反対だ。
His opinion is the antithesis of mine.
自由と規律は正反対の概念だ。
Freedom and discipline are antithetical concepts.
Literally 'opposite pole', used for things at extreme opposite ends of a spectrum. Slightly more formal or literary than 正反対.
彼の性格は私の性格の対極にある。
His personality is the antithesis of mine.
Direct loanword from German 'Antithese', used mainly in academic contexts like philosophy or literary criticism, especially in Hegelian dialectics.
ヘーゲル弁証法では、テーゼに対するアンチテーゼが生じる。
In Hegelian dialectics, an antithesis arises in opposition to the thesis.
「急がば回れ」は対句の一種だ。
'More haste, less speed' is a kind of antithesis.
Literally 'contrast method', used in literary analysis to describe the technique of juxtaposing opposites.
この詩では対照法が効果的に使われている。
Antithesis is used effectively in this poem.
Also used for rhetorical antithesis in academic writing about Western rhetoric.
キング牧師の演説にはアンチテーゼが多用されている。
Martin Luther King Jr.'s speeches make frequent use of antithesis.
This building is the antithesis of the one next door in design.
Literally 'a contrasting existence', used for a person or entity that stands in stark contrast to another.
彼女は私にとって対照的な存在だ。
She is the antithesis of me.