Translation guide
The English word 'opposite' covers several distinct meanings: a position facing something, a contrasting idea or quality, and a person or thing completely different. This guide breaks down these meanings and provides natural Japanese expressions for each.
Describing something that is across from or facing another thing, or moving in the other direction.
Used for physical opposition, like the opposite side of the street or the opposite direction. Can also mean 'opposition' in an abstract sense.
銀行は駅の反対側にあります。
The bank is on the opposite side of the station.
反対方向に歩いてしまった。
I ended up walking in the opposite direction.
Refers to the place directly across from something, often used for buildings or locations.
向かいの家は空き家です。
The house opposite is vacant.
Means 'directly opposite' or 'right in front', often used for facing something head-on.
彼は私の正面に座った。
He sat down opposite me.
Expressing that two things are completely different or contrary in nature, meaning, or effect.
The most common word for 'opposite' in the sense of reverse, contrary, or inverse. Used for meanings, effects, orders, etc.
「高い」の逆は「低い」です。
The opposite of 'high' is 'low'.
逆の効果があった。
It had the opposite effect.
Also used for contrasting concepts, especially when emphasizing opposition or conflict. Slightly more formal than 逆.
Emphasizes a complete or exact opposite, like 'diametrically opposed'.
Referring to someone or something that is the total opposite of another in character or type.
Used for people or things that are exact opposites.
彼女は私の正反対だ。
She is my complete opposite.
Means 'contrasting', often used when two things are very different but not necessarily exact opposites.
逆 (ぎゃく) is the most common word for 'opposite' in everyday speech, especially for meanings, order, and direction. 反対 (はんたい) is also common but can sound slightly more formal or emphasize opposition. For physical location, 反対側 (はんたいがわ) is standard. For exact opposites, use 正反対 (せいはんたい).
彼の意見は私のと反対だ。
His opinion is the opposite of mine.
彼と私は性格が正反対だ。
He and I have completely opposite personalities.
Their personalities are opposite (contrasting).