Translation guide
The English verb 'backfire' describes a plan or action that produces an unintended, opposite, and usually negative result. Japanese expresses this through verbs, phrases, and idiomatic expressions that convey reversal, self-harm, or unexpected failure.
To say that a plan, scheme, or action had the opposite effect of what was intended, usually with negative consequences.
A common idiomatic phrase meaning 'to backfire' or 'to have the opposite effect'. Literally 'to come out on the reverse side'. Used for plans, strategies, or actions that go wrong.
To describe a literal backfire in an engine or firearm, producing a loud noise or flame.
The technical term for a backfire in an engine or firearm. Can also be used as a verb with する.
古い車のエンジンが逆火を起こした。
The old car's engine backfired.
Both mean 'backfire', but 裏目に出る is a verb phrase focusing on the process of a plan going wrong, while 逆効果 is a noun describing the result as counterproductive. 逆効果 is slightly more formal and often used in analytical contexts.
作戦が裏目に出た。
The strategy backfired.
その対策は逆効果だった。
That measure was counterproductive.
Avoid directly translating 'backfire' as 後ろ火 or similar. The concept is expressed through idiomatic phrases like 裏目に出る or nouns like 逆効果. Using a literal translation will not be understood.
彼の親切なアドバイスが裏目に出て、彼女を怒らせてしまった。
His well-meaning advice backfired and ended up making her angry.
値下げ戦略が裏目に出て、売上がさらに落ち込んだ。
The price-cutting strategy backfired, and sales dropped even further.
A noun meaning 'opposite effect' or 'counterproductive result'. Often used with になる or だ to describe a backfiring situation. Slightly more formal than 裏目に出る.
厳しすぎるルールは逆効果になることがある。
Overly strict rules can sometimes backfire.
彼の謝罪は逆効果で、事態を悪化させた。
His apology backfired and made the situation worse.
Literally 'to become an enemy'. Means that something intended to be helpful or beneficial ends up causing harm. Often used for kindness or favors that backfire.
過保護が仇となって、子供の自立心が育たなかった。
Overprotectiveness backfired and the child didn't develop independence.
Means 'to rebound on oneself'. Used when a negative action or criticism directed at others ends up affecting the doer. Similar to 'come back to bite you'.
他人を陥れようとした嘘が自分に跳ね返った。
The lie he told to trap others backfired on him.
Literally 'boomerang effect'. A loanword used in psychology or social contexts to describe when persuasion attempts produce the opposite attitude. Not for everyday plans.
恐怖をあおる広告はブーメラン効果を生むことがある。
Fear-based ads can sometimes backfire (boomerang effect).
Direct loanword from English 'backfire', used as a verb with する. Common in casual or spoken contexts for engine backfires.
バイクがバックファイアして驚いた。
The motorcycle backfired and startled me.