Translation guide
This guide covers how to express the idea of being contrary—acting in opposition, disagreeing, or going against expectations—in natural Japanese. It focuses on common words and phrases for describing a person, behavior, or situation that is contrary.
To say someone is deliberately opposing, disagreeable, or perverse in character.
A noun describing a person who deliberately does the opposite of what is expected or says the opposite of what they feel; a contrarian. Often used for someone who is stubbornly contrary by nature.
彼は天邪鬼だから、みんなが賛成すると反対する。
He's such a contrarian; he opposes whatever everyone else agrees with.
A noun or na-adjective for a person who is perverse, cranky, or always goes against the grain. Slightly colloquial and often used for someone who is being difficult or contrary out of stubbornness.
あの人はへそ曲がりで、何を言っても聞かない。
That person is so contrary; no matter what you say, they won't listen.
Literally 'do the opposite thing'. A straightforward way to describe contrary actions without implying a personality trait.
彼女はいつも私が頼んだことと逆のことをする。
She always does the opposite of what I ask.
Similar to へそ曲がり, meaning a person with a twisted or perverse disposition. Less common and slightly old-fashioned.
彼はつむじ曲がりで、素直に人の言うことを聞かない。
He's contrary and never obediently listens to what people say.
To say something goes against what is expected, normal, or prescribed.
A grammatical pattern meaning 'contrary to ~' or 'against ~'. Used with nouns. Formal and common in both speech and writing.
予想に反して、試験は簡単だった。
Contrary to expectations, the exam was easy.
規則に反して、彼は駐車した。
He parked contrary to the rules.
An adverb meaning 'on the contrary' or 'conversely'. Used to introduce a contrasting statement or action.
彼は怒るどころか、逆に笑い出した。
Far from getting angry, he, on the contrary, burst out laughing.
A verb meaning 'to be contrary to', 'to violate', or 'to go against'. Often used with nouns like 規則 (rules), 期待 (expectations), 道徳 (morals).
To express a contrasting or opposing view in discussion.
Means 'contrary to that' or 'in contrast to that'. Used to present an opposing opinion or fact.
彼は成功したと言うが、それとは反対に、実際は失敗だった。
He says he succeeded, but contrary to that, it was actually a failure.
Literally 'opposite opinion'. A simple noun phrase for a contrary view.
彼はいつも逆の意見を言う。
He always expresses a contrary opinion.
The English phrase 'be contrary' doesn't have a single direct Japanese equivalent. Avoid literal translations like 逆である (gyaku de aru), which sounds unnatural. Instead, choose the expression that matches the specific nuance: personality, action, or contrast.
Both describe a contrary person, but 天邪鬼 (amanojaku) often implies a deeper psychological trait of always opposing, sometimes playfully. へそ曲がり (hesomagari) is more about being stubbornly perverse or cranky in a given situation. 天邪鬼 can be used lightheartedly, while へそ曲がり is usually negative.
His actions are contrary to the law.