Translation guide
Expressing that statements, ideas, or actions are inconsistent or conflict with each other. Japanese often uses specific verbs, adjectives, and set phrases depending on whether the contradiction is logical, verbal, or situational.
To say that two statements, facts, or ideas cannot both be true.
The most common and direct way to say 'be contradictory'. Uses the noun 矛盾 (contradiction) with する.
His explanation is contradictory.
Those two claims are contradictory.
Literally 'the seams don't match'. Used when a story, alibi, or explanation has inconsistencies.
His story doesn't add up.
Formal/literary term for two things being mutually contradictory or incompatible.
The two opinions are contradictory.
To say that a person says or does something that conflicts with what they previously said or did.
To express that you are saying the opposite of what someone else said, often in a confrontational way.
矛盾している is a general term for logical contradiction. 辻褄が合わない specifically refers to inconsistencies in a narrative or explanation, like a story that doesn't add up.
His testimony is contradictory.
His alibi doesn't add up.
English 'contradict' can be translated as 矛盾する for logical contradictions, but for directly opposing someone's statement, use 反論する or 否定する. Using 矛盾する for personal contradiction can sound unnatural.
He contradicted me.
A set phrase meaning 'inconsistency between words and actions'.
His actions don't match his words.
That is a self-contradiction.