反対

• Reading: はんたい
• Romaji: hantai
• Kanji breakdown: 反 (han) — anti, reverse, oppose; 対 (tai) — against, facing
• Pronunciation: /ha.n.ta.i/

Meaning

Opposition; objection; dissent. Being against something or holding the opposite view.

Functions as a noun, する verb (反対する), or adjective (反対の). The opposite of 賛成 (approval). Also commonly used to mean the opposite or reverse of something (反対側 = opposite side). A versatile word used in debates, daily choices, and giving directions.

Examples

1. 両親は私の留学に反対した。 My parents were against me studying abroad.
2. 反対の意見を持つ人もいます。 There are also people who hold the opposite opinion.
3. 駅は道の反対側にあります。 The station is on the opposite side of the road.

Usage Guide

Context: discussions, daily life, directions

Tone: neutral

Origin & History

Compound of 反 (han, anti/reverse) and 対 (tai, against/facing). Together they express facing against or being opposed to something.

Cultural Context

Era: Classical

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal