Translation guide
The English word "resistance" covers several distinct concepts in Japanese. The most common meanings relate to physical or electrical resistance, opposition to authority, and psychological reluctance. This guide breaks down these meanings and provides natural Japanese expressions for each.
The force that opposes motion, flow, or current; the degree to which a material or object resists physical force or electrical current.
The most general term for physical or electrical resistance. Used in physics, engineering, and everyday contexts.
This material has low frictional resistance.
Measure the electrical resistance.
Specifically refers to drag or resistance in fluid dynamics (air/water resistance). More technical than 抵抗.
The air resistance is large.
The act of opposing or fighting against a government, occupying force, or dominant system; organized or individual defiance.
The standard term for resistance against authority, oppression, or unwanted change. Can be used for both organized movements and individual acts.
The citizens resisted the new law.
Implies defiance or rebellion, often against parents, teachers, or social norms. Stronger emotional connotation than 抵抗.
Loanword from English, used specifically for historical resistance movements (e.g., the French Resistance) or in artistic/political contexts.
A feeling of not wanting to do something; mental opposition or hesitation.
Literally 'feeling of resistance'. Commonly used to express reluctance or aversion to an idea or action.
He has a resistance to new environments.
An idiomatic phrase meaning 'to be reluctant' or 'not feel like doing'. More colloquial than 抵抗感.
He seems reluctant to do that job.
Literally 'rejection reaction'. Used for a strong, almost instinctive resistance or aversion, often in psychological or medical contexts.
The ability of an organism to withstand the effects of a disease, infection, or medication.
The use of opposing force in exercise, such as weight training or resistance bands.
抵抗 is a broad term for resistance, opposition, or physical resistance. 反抗 specifically implies rebellion or defiance against authority, often with an emotional component. Use 反抗 for teenage rebellion or insubordination, and 抵抗 for more neutral or organized opposition.
Avoid directly translating 'resistance' as 抵抗 in all contexts. For psychological reluctance, 抵抗感 or 気が進まない are more natural. For disease resistance, use 耐性 or 抵抗力. Using 抵抗 for everything can sound unnatural or overly formal.
A resistance movement against the occupying forces.
彼は親に反抗して家を出た。
He left home in defiance of his parents.
The French Resistance fought against the Nazis.
I feel resistance to that proposal.
He showed a strong resistance to that idea.
Drug-resistant bacteria are increasing.
Lack of sleep lowers your resistance.
Apply resistance to train the muscles.