Translation guide
How to express contradiction in Japanese, from direct denial to polite disagreement.
To state that something is wrong or the opposite is true.
The most direct equivalent, meaning 'to be contradictory' or 'to contradict'. Often used for logical contradictions.
His explanation contradicts itself.
Pattern meaning 'to contradict something'. Used when one statement or fact contradicts another.
That testimony contradicts the facts.
To deny or negate. Stronger than 'contradict' in some contexts, but used for contradicting a claim.
He denied (contradicted) the rumor.
To say the opposite of what someone else said, often in an argument.
To make a counterargument or object. Common in debates and discussions.
He contradicted my opinion.
To talk back or retort. More casual and implies a direct verbal contradiction.
To talk back, especially to a superior. Has a negative nuance of insubordination.
The child contradicts (talks back to) the parent.
To say something that conflicts with one's own previous statement.
Literally 'self-contradict'. Used when a person's statements or actions are inconsistent.
His remarks contradict themselves.
Idiomatic phrase meaning 'inconsistent' or 'doesn't add up'. Commonly used for contradictions in a story or alibi.
His story contradicts itself.
To express a differing opinion without direct confrontation.
Japanese often avoids direct contradiction. Use phrases like そうかもしれませんが (that may be so, but...) or おっしゃることはわかりますが (I understand what you're saying, but...).
That may be true, but I have a different opinion.
Pattern: 'I think that ~, but ~'. Acknowledges the other person's point before stating a contradiction.
Directly saying 'you're wrong' (あなたは間違っています) can be too confrontational. Use softening expressions or indirect disagreement.
It might be a little different.
She immediately contradicted him.
I understand what you're saying, but I don't think so.