Translation guide
How to express 'go against' in Japanese, covering opposition to rules, expectations, people, and natural flow.
規則に反する
to go against the rules
Specifically means 'to violate' or 'to infringe' a rule, law, or agreement. Often used in legal or formal contexts.
交通規則に違反する
to violate traffic rules
A literary or formal expression meaning 'to go against' or 'to betray' a principle, expectation, or trust.
期待に背く
to go against expectations
To express disagreement or opposition to someone's opinion, decision, or authority.
The most direct and common way to say 'to oppose' a person, plan, or idea. Neutral in register.
彼の意見に反対する
to go against his opinion
その計画に反対する人が多い
Many people are against that plan.
Means 'to go against' or 'to defy' someone's will, orders, or natural flow. Can imply active resistance.
To resist or defy someone in a confrontational way, often used for rebellion against authority.
To act in a way that contradicts one's own beliefs, feelings, or natural inclination.
A set phrase meaning 'against one's conscience'.
それは私の良心に反する
That goes against my conscience.
Means 'not one's true intention' or 'against one's will'. Used when forced to do something.
彼を批判するのは本意ではない
It goes against my true feelings to criticize him.
An adverbial phrase meaning 'against one's will' or 'contrary to one's wishes'.
意に反して、彼は承諾した
Against his will, he agreed.
上司に歯向かう
to go against one's boss