Translation guide
Expressing that someone or something is opposed to another person, group, idea, or action. Japanese uses different words depending on whether the opposition is political, personal, principled, or confrontational.
To be opposed to a government, policy, or ideology, often in a formal or organized way.
The most common and versatile verb for opposing something. Used for policies, plans, ideas, and actions.
Many people are opposed to that policy.
He is opposed to the war.
To be in conflict or confrontation, often between two parties with opposing interests. Implies a more structural or ongoing opposition.
The two political parties are in opposition.
To be hostile or antagonistic. Stronger than 反対する, implying enmity.
That country is in opposition to its neighbor.
To express that you personally disagree with someone's opinion or decision.
Also used for personal objections. Can be used in everyday conversation.
I am opposed to that plan.
To raise an objection, often in a formal setting like a meeting or debate.
He raised an objection to the proposal.
To go against someone's wishes or orders. Often used in parent-child or authority relationships.
To be located opposite something, or to be the reverse of something.
反対する is used when someone actively opposes a specific thing (policy, idea). 対立する describes a state of conflict between two parties, often without a direct object.
He opposes the tax increase.
The ruling party and the opposition are in conflict.
The phrase 'be in opposition' is often translated as 反対する, but note that 反対する is a verb meaning 'to oppose'. There is no direct stative equivalent; use 反対している for 'is opposed'.
You must not oppose your parents.
There is an exit on the opposite side of the station.