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.
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.
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.
The most common and natural way to say 'exact opposite' or 'antithesis' in everyday Japanese. Used for abstract concepts, personalities, or situations.
His opinion is the antithesis of mine.
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.
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.
In Hegelian dialectics, an antithesis arises in opposition to the thesis.
'More haste, less speed' is a kind of antithesis.
Literally 'contrast method', used in literary analysis to describe the technique of juxtaposing opposites.
Antithesis is used effectively in this poem.
Also used for rhetorical antithesis in academic writing about Western rhetoric.
Martin Luther King Jr.'s speeches make frequent use of antithesis.
He is the antithesis of his older brother.
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.
She is the antithesis of me.
His idea is the antithesis of mine. (natural)
His idea is the antithesis of mine. (unnatural, overly academic)