Synonym Nuance VS
How to say "Oppose" in Japanese
Both words can translate to "oppose", but which should you choose?
Japanese Option A
反対する
はんたいする (hantai suru)
N3 / CEFR Syllabus
VS
Japanese Option B
逆らう
さからう (sakarau)
B2 / CEFR Syllabus
Nuance Contrast & Translation Difference
When translating "oppose" into Japanese, you must choose carefully between 反対する and 逆らう.
In Japanese, 反対する (はんたいする (hantai suru)) is typically associated with "to oppose, to object to, to disagree" (Syllabus Level: N3) and represents Expresses disagreement or opposition to a plan, idea, or action. Often used with particles 「に」 or 「に___して」..
On the other hand, 逆らう (さからう (sakarau)) maps to "to oppose, to defy" (Syllabus Level: B2) and represents Essential structural term in CEFR B2 vocabulary syllabus.. A literal translation of "oppose" can often sound unnatural to native Japanese speakers if mixed up!
Bilingual Context for "反対する"
彼の提案に反対する人はいますか？
Is there anyone who opposes his proposal?
Bilingual Context for "逆らう"
毎日、日本語を練習するために逆らう。
Every day, I oppose, to defy to practice Japanese.
Nuance Mastery Quiz
Which Japanese word perfectly fits this blank space?
Fill in the blank: "彼の提案に ＿＿＿ 人はいますか？" (Meaning: "Is there anyone who opposes his proposal?")
🎉 Correct Answer!
Remember: "反対する" fits here because it means "to oppose, to object to, to disagree" in the context of: "Is there anyone who opposes his proposal?". "逆らう" represents "to oppose, to defy".