Translation guide
The English word 'reverse' covers several distinct meanings. This guide breaks them down into practical categories for Japanese learners.
Expressing that something is the opposite way around, backwards, or in the opposite order.
The most common and versatile word for 'reverse' or 'opposite'. Can be used as a noun or adjective.
We're going in the reverse direction.
順番が逆です。
The order is reversed.
Often means 'opposite' in a more general sense, but can be used for reverse direction or side.
反対側のドアを使ってください。
Please use the door on the reverse side.
Loanword from English, used in specific contexts like vehicles (reverse gear) or technology.
車をリバースに入れてください。
Put the car in reverse.
Physically flipping or turning an object so the back becomes the front, or top becomes bottom.
Transitive verb meaning to turn something inside out or flip it over.
シャツを裏返して干してください。
Please reverse the shirt (turn it inside out) and hang it to dry.
To put something upside down or in reverse order.
本を逆さまに持っていますよ。
You're holding the book upside down (reversed).
To revoke, overturn, or go back on a previous action or statement.
Formal term for withdrawing or retracting a statement, decision, or offer.
政府はその政策を撤回した。
The government reversed its policy.
To overturn a decision, ruling, or common belief. Often used in legal or dramatic contexts.
裁判所は判決を覆した。
The court reversed the verdict.
To change one's mind or reverse one's thinking, often implying improvement.
彼は考えを改めて、計画を中止した。
He reversed his thinking and canceled the plan.
Referring to the other side of a flat object, like paper, a coin, or a card.
The back or reverse side of something. Very common.
紙の裏に名前を書いてください。
Please write your name on the reverse side of the paper.
More formal term for the reverse side, often used in documents or official contexts.
Going from the end to the beginning, or doing things backwards.
Noun meaning reverse order. Often used with に or で.
リストを逆順に並べ替えてください。
Please sort the list in reverse order.
From the reverse/opposite end. Casual.
逆から読むと意味がわかります。
If you read it in reverse (from the end), you'll understand the meaning.
The gear in a car or other vehicle that makes it go backwards.
Common abbreviation of 'back', used for reverse gear. Often used with する.
車をバックさせて駐車した。
I reversed the car into the parking space.
Also used for reverse gear, but slightly less common than バック in everyday speech.
English uses 'reverse' in many set phrases (e.g., 'reverse psychology', 'reverse charge call'). These often have specific Japanese equivalents that don't use the word for 'reverse'. For example, 'reverse psychology' is 逆心理学 (ぎゃくしんりがく) but is not commonly used; instead, describe the action. 'Reverse charge call' is コレクトコール. Always check if a fixed phrase exists.
逆 (ぎゃく) is more about order, direction, or logic being reversed. 反対 (はんたい) is more about opposition or being contrary. For 'reverse side', 裏 (うら) is usually better than either.
To flip or overturn something, often with a sense of turning it completely over.
カードをひっくり返してください。
Please turn the card over (reverse it).
Please fill out the reverse side of the application form as well.
リバースに入れてください。
Put it in reverse.