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.
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.
The strategy backfired.
His well-meaning advice backfired and ended up making her angry.
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.
Overly strict rules can sometimes backfire.
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.
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'.
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.
Fear-based ads can sometimes backfire (boomerang effect).
The old car's engine backfired.
Direct loanword from English 'backfire', used as a verb with する. Common in casual or spoken contexts for engine backfires.
The motorcycle backfired and startled me.
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.