反発

• Reading: はんぱつ
• Romaji: hanpatsu
• Kanji breakdown: 反 (han) — against, counter; 発 (hatsu) — emit, discharge
• Pronunciation: /haɴ.pa.tsɯ/

Meaning

Opposition; rebellion; resistance; backlash against a policy, decision, or authority.

A noun and suru verb with two main uses: (1) emotional or social resistance — opposing a decision, authority, or trend; (2) physical repulsion — bouncing back or rebounding (e.g. in physics or stock markets). The social meaning is far more common in everyday use. Often paired with 強い (strong backlash) or する (to push back against).

Examples

1. 政府の方針に対して市民から強い反発が出た。 There was strong backlash from citizens against the government's policy.
2. 新しいルールに社員が反発している。 Employees are pushing back against the new rules.
3. 値上げに対する消費者の反発は予想以上だった。 Consumer backlash over the price hike was greater than expected.

Usage Guide

Context: politics, workplace, news, social issues

Tone: critical

Origin & History

From Sino-Japanese 反 (han, against/counter) + 発 (hatsu, emit/discharge). Literally 'counter-emission,' originally describing physical repulsion, later extended to social and emotional pushback.

Cultural Context

Era: Modern

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal