逆

• Reading: ぎゃく
• Romaji: gyaku
• Kanji breakdown: 逆 (gyaku/saka) — reverse, opposite, rebel
• Pronunciation: /ɡja.kɯ/

Meaning

Reverse; opposite; contrary. Indicates the opposite direction, order, or meaning.

A na-adjective/noun used both independently and in compounds. As an adverb with に (逆に), it means 'on the contrary' or 'conversely.' Common compounds include 逆転 (gyakuten, reversal), 逆効果 (gyaku kouka, counterproductive). Very useful in daily conversation for expressing contrasts.

Examples

1. 彼の言っていることは逆だと思う。 I think what he's saying is the opposite.
2. 逆に質問してもいいですか。 Can I ask you a question instead?
3. 順番が逆になっているので直してください。 The order is reversed, so please fix it.

Usage Guide

Context: conversation, logic, directions

Tone: contrasting

Origin & History

From Chinese 逆 (nì, to go against). The kanji combines 辶 (road radical) and a phonetic element, originally depicting someone going against the flow of traffic — heading the wrong way.

Cultural Context

Era: Classical

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal