Translation guide
The English word "foe" is a literary or formal term for an enemy or opponent. In Japanese, the most common equivalent is 敵 (てき), but the best choice depends on context, formality, and nuance.
Referring to a person, group, or force that opposes you, often in a conflict or competition.
The standard word for 'enemy' or 'foe'. Used in both literal and figurative contexts, from war to games.
Describing an abstract concept, substance, or condition that is detrimental or antithetical to something.
Also used metaphorically for non-human foes, like diseases or social issues.
Expressions where 'foe' appears in English idioms; Japanese often uses 敵 in similar fixed phrases.
"Friend or foe?" — used when unsure of someone's allegiance.
彼は敵か味方かわからない。
I don't know if he is friend or foe.
In everyday conversation, Japanese speakers rarely use a direct equivalent of 'foe'. Instead, they might say 相手 (あいて, opponent) or describe the relationship more concretely. Using 敵 can sound dramatic or old-fashioned outside appropriate contexts.
敵 is the general term for enemy, while 仇 implies a personal grudge or vengeance, often in historical or literary settings. 仇 is less common in modern speech.
彼は私の敵だ。
He is my foe.
敵を倒す。
Defeat the foe.
Often implies a personal vendetta or grudge; can mean 'foe' in the sense of someone who has wronged you.
父の仇を討つ。
Avenge one's father's foe.
A formal term for an adversary or opponent, often used in legal or political contexts.
彼は政敵の敵対者として知られている。
He is known as a foe of his political rivals.
喫煙は健康の敵だ。
Smoking is a foe to health.
時間は最大の敵だ。
Time is the greatest foe.
Pattern: [noun]の敵 means 'foe of [noun]'. Productive for labeling something as an enemy to a cause.
民主主義の敵
foe of democracy
"To make an enemy of someone" — to turn someone into a foe.
彼を敵に回したくない。
I don't want to make a foe of him.