逆効果 (gyakukouka) Japanese meaning: opposite effect | KotomoraScolding him harshly ended up having the opposite effect.
That policy produced the opposite effect.
Usage patterns
〈事〉が逆効果になるfor something to backfire / have the opposite effect
Scolding harshly often backfires.
〈事〉は逆効果だsomething is counterproductive
Spoiling children too much is counterproductive.
逆効果を生むto produce a counterproductive effect
Excessive dieting can sometimes produce the opposite effect.
逆効果に終わるto end up backfiring
The advertising campaign ended up backfiring.
