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.
彼の説明は矛盾している。
His explanation is contradictory.
Those two claims are contradictory.
Literally 'the seams don't match'. Used when a story, alibi, or explanation has inconsistencies.
彼の話は辻褄が合わない。
His story doesn't add up.
Formal/literary term for two things being mutually contradictory or incompatible.
その二つの意見は相反する。
The two opinions are contradictory.
To say that a person says or does something that conflicts with what they previously said or did.
Literally 'say contradictory things'. Natural way to point out self-contradiction.
彼はさっきと言っていることが矛盾している。
What he's saying now contradicts what he said earlier.
A set phrase meaning 'inconsistency between words and actions'.
彼は言行不一致だ。
His actions don't match his words.
Self-contradiction, often used in philosophical or logical contexts.
To express that you are saying the opposite of what someone else said, often in a confrontational way.
To make a counterargument or object to someone's statement.
彼は私の意見に反論した。
He contradicted my opinion.
To deny or negate what someone said. Stronger than 反論する.
彼はその事実を否定した。
He contradicted that fact.
Casual way to say 'say the opposite'.
彼はいつも私の逆のことを言う。
He always contradicts me.
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.
彼の証言は矛盾している。
His testimony is contradictory.
彼のアリバイは辻褄が合わない。
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.
彼は私に反論した。
He contradicted me.
それは自己矛盾だ。
That is a self-contradiction.