Translation guide
The English word 'opposite' covers several distinct meanings: a position facing something, a contrasting idea or quality, and a person or thing completely different. This guide breaks down these meanings and provides natural Japanese expressions for each.
Describing something that is across from or facing another thing, or moving in the other direction.
Used for physical opposition, like the opposite side of the street or the opposite direction. Can also mean 'opposition' in an abstract sense.
The bank is on the opposite side of the station.
I ended up walking in the opposite direction.
Refers to the place directly across from something, often used for buildings or locations.
The house opposite is vacant.
Means 'directly opposite' or 'right in front', often used for facing something head-on.
He sat down opposite me.
Expressing that two things are completely different or contrary in nature, meaning, or effect.
The most common word for 'opposite' in the sense of reverse, contrary, or inverse. Used for meanings, effects, orders, etc.
The opposite of 'high' is 'low'.
It had the opposite effect.
Also used for contrasting concepts, especially when emphasizing opposition or conflict. Slightly more formal than 逆.
Emphasizes a complete or exact opposite, like 'diametrically opposed'.
Referring to someone or something that is the total opposite of another in character or type.
逆 (ぎゃく) is the most common word for 'opposite' in everyday speech, especially for meanings, order, and direction. 反対 (はんたい) is also common but can sound slightly more formal or emphasize opposition. For physical location, 反対側 (はんたいがわ) is standard. For exact opposites, use 正反対 (せいはんたい).
彼の意見は私のと反対だ。
His opinion is the opposite of mine.
He and I have completely opposite personalities.
Their personalities are opposite (contrasting).