Translation guide
Expresses the opposite or contrary of what was expected, stated, or is typical. Covers situations where something is turned around, inside out, or the other way around.
To say that the actual situation is the opposite of what was thought, said, or expected.
Commonly used to introduce a contrasting or opposite point. Can be used at the beginning of a sentence or clause.
I thought he would get angry, but on the contrary, he was laughing.
Literally 'oppositely'. Used to state that something is the opposite. Slightly more formal than 逆に.
兄は社交的だが、反対に弟は無口だ。
The older brother is sociable, but the younger brother, on the contrary, is quiet.
Means 'rather' or 'instead'. Used when the reality is the opposite of what might be assumed, often with a nuance of preference or correction.
彼は怒るどころか、むしろ喜んでいた。
Far from being angry, he was rather pleased.
To describe a physical or sequential reversal, such as doing something in the opposite order or direction.
Means 'reverse order'. Used when the sequence of actions or items is flipped.
手順を逆の順番でやってしまった。
I did the steps in the reverse order.
Means 'opposite direction'. Used for physical movement or orientation.
電車を逆方向に乗ってしまった。
I took the train in the reverse direction.
Colloquial term meaning 'inside out', 'upside down', or 'the wrong way around'. Often used for physical objects or simple reversals.
To refer to the opposite side of a flat object, such as a coin, paper, or medal.
The most common word for the back or reverse side of something. Used for coins, paper, cards, etc.
コインの裏には何が描いてありますか？
What is depicted on the reverse of the coin?
More formal term for the reverse side, often used in official contexts or descriptions.
To express that a situation has turned around completely, often from bad to good or vice versa.
A set phrase meaning 'the tables have turned' or 'a reversal of the situation'. Often used in sports, games, or competitive contexts.
後半で形勢逆転した。
The tables turned in the second half.
Noun/verb meaning 'reversal' or 'turnaround'. Can be used in various contexts like sports, business, or personal situations.
試合は逆転に次ぐ逆転だった。
The game was one reversal after another.
シャツがあべこべだよ。
Your shirt is on backwards/inside out.
Please fill out the reverse side of the application form as well.