Translation guide
How to express disagreement, opposition, or a formal objection in Japanese, depending on context and politeness level.
The speaker wants to state that they disagree with an idea, plan, or statement.
A direct and clear way to say 'I'm against it' or 'I object'. Suitable for both formal and informal settings.
その計画には反対です。
I object to that plan.
A formal phrase meaning 'I have an objection'. Often used in legal or official contexts.
この判決に異議があります。
I have an objection to this ruling.
Literally 'Please wait a moment', but can be used to raise an objection or pause a discussion to disagree.
ちょっと待ってください。その点は納得できません。
Hold on. I can't agree with that point.
A softer way to disagree, meaning 'I don't think so'. Less confrontational than 反対です.
彼の意見にはそうは思いません。
I don't agree with his opinion.
The speaker wants to formally object in a court, meeting, or official procedure.
The noun for 'objection' in legal or formal contexts. Often used in the phrase 異議を唱える (to raise an objection).
弁護士は証拠に対して異議を唱えた。
The lawyer raised an objection to the evidence.
A set phrase meaning 'Objection!' as shouted in court dramas. Very direct and dramatic.
異議あり！その証言は矛盾しています。
Objection! That testimony is contradictory.
A counterargument or rebuttal. Used when objecting to a specific point in a debate or discussion.
The speaker wants to challenge the truth or validity of what someone said.
A common way to say 'That's not right' or 'That's incorrect', used to object to a factual error.
それは違います。私はそんなことは言っていません。
That's not true. I never said that.
Means 'I can't accept that' or 'I'm not convinced'. Expresses objection based on lack of agreement or understanding.
その説明には納得できません。
I can't accept that explanation.
The speaker objects on ethical, moral, or personal grounds.
Literally 'have resistance', used to express a personal objection or reluctance to do something.
そのやり方には抵抗があります。
I have an objection to that way of doing things.
Means 'my conscience won't allow it', expressing a strong moral objection.
そんなことをするのは良心が許さない。
My conscience won't allow me to do such a thing.
反対 (はんたい) is general opposition, while 異議 (いぎ) is a formal objection, often legal. Use 反対 for everyday disagreement and 異議 for official procedures.
その案に反対です。
I'm against that proposal.
裁判で異議を申し立てる。
To file an objection in court.
The English word 'objection' is often used as a standalone interjection, but in Japanese, simply saying 異議 or 反対 without a sentence can sound abrupt. It's usually better to use a full phrase like 反対です or 異議があります unless in a very dramatic context.
彼の提案に反論する。
I will raise an objection to his proposal.