Translation guide
The English verb 'oppose' covers a range of meanings from formal disagreement to physical resistance. In Japanese, the best translation depends on whether you are opposing an idea, a plan, a person, or a physical force. This guide organizes the most useful expressions by context.
Expressing that you are against a proposal, policy, or opinion, often in a formal or public context.
The most common and versatile verb for 'oppose'. Used for disagreeing with plans, ideas, policies, etc. Can be used in both formal and informal settings.
私はその計画に反対します。
I oppose that plan.
Many residents oppose the construction of the new road.
A formal expression meaning 'to raise an objection'. Often used in legal, political, or business contexts.
彼はその決定に異議を唱えた。
He opposed the decision (raised an objection).
Implies active resistance or opposition, often against authority or change. Stronger than 反対する.
市民は増税に激しく抵抗した。
The citizens fiercely opposed the tax increase.
Describing a situation where you actively resist a physical force, an opponent, or an attack.
Used for physical resistance, such as fighting back or resisting arrest. Can also be used metaphorically.
容疑者は警察に抵抗した。
The suspect opposed (resisted) the police.
彼は誘拐犯に必死に抵抗した。
He desperately opposed (fought back against) the kidnapper.
Means 'to stand up to' or 'to confront'. Emphasizes facing a challenge or opponent bravely.
Means 'to be hostile to' or 'to antagonize'. Used for opposing as an enemy.
二つの勢力が互いに敵対している。
The two factions oppose each other.
Describing a situation where someone runs against another candidate or competes directly.
Means 'to compete against' or 'to rival'. Commonly used in elections, sports, and business.
彼は現職の市長に対抗して立候補した。
He ran for office opposing the incumbent mayor.
A noun meaning 'opposing candidate'. Used in political contexts.
敵対候補は政策の違いを強調した。
The opposing candidate emphasized policy differences.
Describing ideas, principles, or qualities that are fundamentally different or incompatible.
Means 'to be contrary to' or 'to conflict with'. Used for abstract concepts like opinions, interests, or principles.
彼の意見は私の意見と相反する。
His opinion opposes (is contrary to) mine.
Means 'to be in opposition' or 'to conflict'. Often used for groups, ideas, or interests that are opposed.
二つの国は領土問題で対立している。
The two countries oppose each other over territorial issues.
English 'oppose' is often used in contexts where Japanese prefers a more specific verb or phrase. For example, 'oppose a plan' is 計画に反対する, but 'oppose a person' might be ～に抵抗する or ～に立ち向かう depending on the situation. Always consider the nuance.
彼は私の意見に反対した。
He opposed my opinion.
彼は私に抵抗した。
He opposed (physically resisted) me.
彼女は困難に立ち向かった。
She opposed (stood up to) the difficulties.