Translation guide
The English word 'contrary' is used to express opposition, contradiction, or unexpected contrast. This guide helps learners choose natural Japanese expressions based on the intended meaning.
Describing something that is the complete opposite of something else.
The most common and versatile word for 'opposite' or 'reverse'. Can be used as a noun or adjective.
彼の意見は私のと逆だ。
His opinion is contrary to mine.
I went in the contrary direction.
Means 'opposite' or 'contrary', often used for opinions, directions, or positions. Slightly more formal than 逆.
He is contrary to my proposal.
Emphasizes a complete or exact opposite, like 'diametrically opposed'.
His personality is the exact contrary of mine.
Expressing that something happened or is true despite what was expected.
A formal pattern meaning 'contrary to ~'. Used with nouns.
Contrary to expectations, the exam was easy.
Contrary to the rules, he was late.
Means 'contrary to ~' or 'in contrast to ~'. More conversational than に反して.
Contrary to her older sister, the younger sister is very quiet.
Specifically 'contrary to expectations'. Formal.
Introducing a statement that opposes or corrects a previous one.
Used to strongly deny a previous statement and assert the opposite. 'On the contrary', 'far from it'.
He wasn't angry. On the contrary, he was delighted.
Means 'rather' or 'on the contrary', used to express a preference or correction.
Literally 'conversely', used in casual speech to mean 'on the contrary'.
Describing someone who deliberately does the opposite of what is expected or asked.
A person who is contrary or perverse by nature, often doing the opposite of what is suggested.
He's a contrary person, so he always does the opposite.
A colloquial term for a contrary or perverse person, literally 'twisted navel'.
Means stubborn or obstinate, often implying a contrary attitude.
English 'contrary to' is often translated as 〜に反して, but in casual speech, 〜とは逆に or 〜と違って may be more natural. Using 反して in everyday conversation can sound stiff.
Contrary to the weather forecast, it was sunny.
逆 (gyaku) is more common in spoken Japanese for 'opposite' in a general sense. 反対 (hantai) is often used for opposing opinions or physical directions. 逆 can also mean 'reverse' or 'upside down', while 反対 is more about opposition.
Contrary to expectations, the result was not good.
彼は悲しむどころか、むしろ嬉しそうだった。
Far from being sad, he seemed happy, on the contrary.
I'm not angry. On the contrary, I'm grateful.
That kid is contrary and never does what he's told.
She is contrary and won't budge from her opinion.