Translation guide
How to express 'go against' in Japanese, covering opposition to rules, expectations, people, and natural flow.
To act in a way that violates or contradicts a rule, law, or established principle.
A formal and common pattern meaning 'to be against' or 'to violate' a rule, law, or expectation. Attach to a noun.
an act that goes against the law
to go against the rules
Specifically means 'to violate' or 'to infringe' a rule, law, or agreement. Often used in legal or formal contexts.
to violate traffic rules
A literary or formal expression meaning 'to go against' or 'to betray' a principle, expectation, or trust.
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.
to go against his opinion
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 go against one's parents
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.
反する (han suru) is used for abstract things like rules, expectations, or conscience. 逆らう (sakarau) is used for actively defying a person, force, or natural flow. Using 逆らう for a rule sounds unnatural.
unnatural: to go against the rules
natural: to go against the rules
流れに逆らって泳ぐ
to swim against the current
上司に歯向かう
to go against one's boss
It goes against my true feelings to criticize him.
Against his will, he agreed.