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.
His opinion is contrary to mine.
逆の方向に進んでしまった。
I went in the contrary direction.
Means 'opposite' or 'contrary', often used for opinions, directions, or positions. Slightly more formal than 逆.
彼は私の提案に反対だ。
He is contrary to my proposal.
Emphasizes a complete or exact opposite, like 'diametrically opposed'.
彼の性格は私と正反対だ。
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.
予想に反して、試験は簡単だった。
Contrary to expectations, the exam was easy.
規則に反して、彼は遅刻した。
Contrary to the rules, he was late.
Means 'contrary to ~' or 'in contrast to ~'. More conversational than に反して.
姉とは逆に、妹はとても静かだ。
Contrary to her older sister, the younger sister is very quiet.
Specifically 'contrary to expectations'. Formal.
期待に反して、結果は良くなかった。
Contrary to expectations, the result was not good.
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'.
彼は怒っていなかった。それどころか、喜んでいた。
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'.
怒ってないよ。逆に感謝してる。
I'm not angry. On the contrary, I'm grateful.
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.
彼は天の邪鬼だから、いつも反対のことをする。
He's a contrary person, so he always does the opposite.
A colloquial term for a contrary or perverse person, literally 'twisted navel'.
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.
天気予報とは逆に、晴れた。
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.
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.
あの子はへそ曲がりで、言うことを聞かない。
That kid is contrary and never does what he's told.
Means stubborn or obstinate, often implying a contrary attitude.
彼女は意地っ張りで、自分の意見を曲げない。
She is contrary and won't budge from her opinion.