仇
Meanings
Refers to a personal enemy or rival, often with a sense of long-standing opposition. Common in phrases like 仇を討つ (avenge one's enemy).
He set out on a journey to avenge his father's enemy.
She unexpectedly met an old rival again.
Focuses on the feeling of ill will or a grudge held against someone. Often used in expressions like 仇を返す (return a grudge) or 仇になる (become a source of resentment).
He couldn't forget the long-held grudge.
His kindness backfired and turned into resentment.
Used when something intended to be good ends up causing harm or damage. Common in the set phrase 仇となる (to do more harm than good).
Overprotection can sometimes harm a child.
Good intentions backfired and caused a terrible situation.
Usage patterns
- 仇を討つto avenge one's enemy
He spent many years searching for his enemy in order to avenge his father.
- 仇を返すto return a grudge; to retaliate for a wrong
He intended to get back at them for their past treatment of him.