Translation guide
How to express the idea of moving backwards, turning around, or undoing something in Japanese.
Describing the physical action of moving in reverse, such as a car backing up or a person stepping backwards.
Common loanword for reversing a vehicle or moving backwards. Casual and widely understood.
車をバックして駐車した。
I reversed the car and parked.
Formal term for moving backwards, used for vehicles, troops, or abstract retreat.
トラックがゆっくり後退した。
The truck slowly reversed.
Specifically means driving against traffic or in the wrong direction on a road. Not general reversing.
高速道路で逆走する車があった。
There was a car reversing on the highway (driving the wrong way).
Reversing direction, turning back, or returning to a previous point.
To turn back or retrace one's steps, often used when you decide to go back midway.
雨が降ってきたので引き返した。
It started raining, so I turned back.
To make a U-turn, especially in a vehicle. Casual and common.
次の交差点でUターンしてください。
Please make a U-turn at the next intersection.
To change direction, often used figuratively for policy or strategy shifts.
会社は事業の方向転換を決めた。
The company decided on a reversal of its business direction.
Undoing, canceling, or overturning something that was done or decided.
To cancel or revoke an action, order, or statement. Common for reversing a decision.
注文を取り消したいのですが。
I'd like to cancel (reverse) my order.
To overturn a decision, ruling, or assumption. Often used in legal or formal contexts.
To withdraw or retract a statement, proposal, or decision. Formal.
彼は前言を撤回した。
He reversed his previous statement.
To return something to its original state; undo an action. Very common in everyday speech.
変更を元に戻してください。
Please reverse the changes (undo).
Swapping positions, roles, or the sequence of things.
To reverse the order or make something the opposite. Very versatile.
順番を逆にしてください。
Please reverse the order.
To swap or replace positions. Often used for physical objects or roles.
役割を入れ替えてみよう。
Let's reverse roles and try.
While 逆 (reverse/opposite) is a common translation, it doesn't cover all uses. For vehicles, バックする is more natural. For undoing, use 取り消す or 元に戻す.
裁判所はその判決を覆した。
The court reversed the ruling.