Translation guide
How to express disagreement, opposition, or a formal objection in Japanese, depending on context and politeness level.
The speaker wants to state that they disagree with an idea, plan, or statement.
A direct and clear way to say 'I'm against it' or 'I object'. Suitable for both formal and informal settings.
I object to that plan.
A formal phrase meaning 'I have an objection'. Often used in legal or official contexts.
I have an objection to this ruling.
Literally 'Please wait a moment', but can be used to raise an objection or pause a discussion to disagree.
A softer way to disagree, meaning 'I don't think so'. Less confrontational than 反対です.
The speaker wants to formally object in a court, meeting, or official procedure.
The noun for 'objection' in legal or formal contexts. Often used in the phrase 異議を唱える (to raise an objection).
The speaker wants to challenge the truth or validity of what someone said.
A common way to say 'That's not right' or 'That's incorrect', used to object to a factual error.
The speaker objects on ethical, moral, or personal grounds.
Literally 'have resistance', used to express a personal objection or reluctance to do something.
反対 (はんたい) is general opposition, while 異議 (いぎ) is a formal objection, often legal. Use 反対 for everyday disagreement and 異議 for official procedures.
I'm against that proposal.
Hold on. I can't agree with that point.
I don't agree with his opinion.
The lawyer raised an objection to the evidence.
A set phrase meaning 'Objection!' as shouted in court dramas. Very direct and dramatic.
Objection! That testimony is contradictory.
A counterargument or rebuttal. Used when objecting to a specific point in a debate or discussion.
I will raise an objection to his proposal.
That's not true. I never said that.
Means 'I can't accept that' or 'I'm not convinced'. Expresses objection based on lack of agreement or understanding.
I can't accept that explanation.
I have an objection to that way of doing things.
Means 'my conscience won't allow it', expressing a strong moral objection.
My conscience won't allow me to do such a thing.
裁判で異議を申し立てる。
To file an objection in court.
The English word 'objection' is often used as a standalone interjection, but in Japanese, simply saying 異議 or 反対 without a sentence can sound abrupt. It's usually better to use a full phrase like 反対です or 異議があります unless in a very dramatic context.
彼は新しい方針に異議を唱えた。
He raised an objection to the new policy.
Formal objection