Translation guide
The act of changing something to its opposite, or a complete change in direction, outcome, or order.
Expressing that a situation, decision, or trend has turned into its opposite.
A reversal of fortune, situation, or order. Often used in sports, games, or dramatic turnarounds.
The game reversed in the second half.
The situation was reversed.
Turning over or reversing direction, often physical or metaphorical. Used for flipping, rolling, or a complete change in trend.
Going back to a previous state; a reversal of progress. Often negative.
The negotiations went back to square one.
To be overturned (of a decision, ruling, or theory). Intransitive.
The verdict was reversed.
When two parties swap their usual roles or positions.
When an official decision, policy, or ruling is changed to its opposite.
Withdrawal or revocation of a statement, decision, or policy. Implies taking back what was previously said or decided.
The government reversed its policy.
To overturn (a decision, ruling, or common sense). Transitive.
Change of mind; reversal of intention. Formal and somewhat literary.
A sudden change from good to bad or bad to good luck.
逆転 (gyakuten) is more about a reversal of order, outcome, or situation, often abstract. 反転 (hanten) often implies a physical turning over or a reversal of direction/movement. 逆転 is more common for dramatic turnarounds in games or life; 反転 is used for flipping, rolling, or trend reversals in economics.
Avoid directly translating 'reversal' as リバーサル (ribāsaru) in most contexts. The loanword is used mainly in specific technical or entertainment fields (e.g., wrestling moves, film). For general use, choose the appropriate Japanese word based on context.
The court reversed the ruling.
We urged him to reverse his decision.