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.
彼の説明は矛盾している。
His explanation contradicts itself.
Pattern meaning 'to contradict something'. Used when one statement or fact contradicts another.
その証言は事実と矛盾する。
That testimony contradicts the facts.
To deny or negate. Stronger than 'contradict' in some contexts, but used for contradicting a claim.
彼はその噂を否定した。
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.
彼は私の意見に反論した。
He contradicted my opinion.
To talk back or retort. More casual and implies a direct verbal contradiction.
彼女はすぐに言い返した。
She immediately contradicted him.
To talk back, especially to a superior. Has a negative nuance of insubordination.
子供が親に口答えする。
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.
彼の発言は自己矛盾している。
His remarks contradict themselves.
Idiomatic phrase meaning 'inconsistent' or 'doesn't add up'. Commonly used for contradictions in a story or alibi.
彼の話はつじつまが合わない。
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...).
そうかもしれませんが、私は違う意見です。
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.
おっしゃることはわかりますが、私はそうは思いません。
I understand what you're saying, but I don't think so.
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.
ちょっと違うかもしれません。
It might be a little different.