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.
その政策に反対する人が多い。
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.
二つの政党が対立している。
The two political parties are in opposition.
To be hostile or antagonistic. Stronger than 反対する, implying enmity.
その国は隣国と敵対している。
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.
私はその計画に反対です。
I am opposed to that plan.
To raise an objection, often in a formal setting like a meeting or debate.
彼は提案に異議を唱えた。
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.
To face each other, be opposite each other physically.
銀行は郵便局の向かいにある。
The bank is opposite the post office.
The opposite side. Used as a noun.
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.
彼は増税に反対している。
He opposes the tax increase.
与党と野党が対立している。
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'.
親に逆らってはいけない。
You must not oppose your parents.
There is an exit on the opposite side of the station.