Translation guide
The English phrase "run counter to" means to be in opposition or conflict with something, such as a principle, expectation, or trend. This guide helps learners express this idea naturally in Japanese, covering common verbs, phrases, and patterns.
Expressing that something is in opposition to a principle, expectation, rule, or common sense.
A versatile phrase meaning 'to be contrary to' or 'to go against'. Used with nouns indicating rules, expectations, principles, etc.
His actions run counter to the rules.
That proposal runs counter to our basic policy.
Literally 'to go against the current', used for going against trends, times, or flows. Slightly more formal or literary.
That policy runs counter to the trend of the times.
Means 'to betray' or 'to go against' someone's expectations, trust, or will. Often used with words like 期待 (expectations) or 信頼 (trust).
His actions ran counter to his parents' expectations.
Means 'to contradict' or 'to be inconsistent with'. Used when two things logically conflict.
His claim runs counter to the facts.
Expressing that two things cannot coexist or are in direct conflict.
Means 'to be mutually contradictory' or 'to conflict with'. Often used in formal contexts for interests, goals, or principles.
That plan runs counter to our interests.
Means 'to be incompatible with' or 'cannot coexist with'. Used for things that cannot be achieved simultaneously.
「に反する」 is the most general and can be used for rules, expectations, principles, etc. 「に逆行する」 specifically implies going against a flow or trend, and is more literary.
run counter to the rules
run counter to the trend of the times
Do not translate 'run counter to' literally as 「走って反対する」 or similar. Use the phrases provided.
Efficiency and fairness sometimes run counter to each other.