Translation and Meaning of: 逆らう - sakarau

If you are studying Japanese or are curious about the language, you may have come across the word 逆らう (sakarau). It carries a strong meaning and appears in different contexts, from everyday conversations to literary works. In this article, we will explore what this word represents, how it is used in Japanese culture, and tips for memorizing it effectively. If you want to understand its practical use better or simply expand your vocabulary, keep reading!

Meaning and usage of 逆らう

The word 逆らう (sakarau) means "to go against," "to challenge," or "to resist." It is often used to describe situations where someone opposes an authority, rule, or even nature. For example, it can be applied to a person who defies higher orders or to a river that flows against the current. Its tone is usually more serious, indicating active resistance.

In daily life, Japanese people use 逆らう in both formal and informal contexts, but always with the idea of confrontation. Unlike words like 反対する (hantai suru), which means "to be against" in a more general way, 逆らう implies a direct action. It is common to see it in news, debates, and even in dialogues from movies and animes when there is conflict between characters.

Origin and writing of kanji

The kanji 逆 (gyaku/saka) means "inverse" or "opposite," while らう (rau) is the suffix that forms the verb. Together, they reinforce the idea of movement against something. This construction is interesting because it shows how the Japanese language often combines visual ideas to create complex meanings. The radical of 逆 is ⻍ (shinnyou), related to movement, which makes sense given the meaning of the word.

It's worth noting that 逆 appears in other words like 逆転 (gyakuten - turnaround) and 逆様 (sakasama - upside down). If you already know these terms, it becomes easier to associate 逆らう with its main meaning. A mnemonic tip is to think of "acting in the opposite direction," which nicely summarizes the concept.

Cultural usage and frequency

In Japan, 逆らう is not a word used casually, as it carries a connotation of rebellion or resistance. In a culture that values harmony and hierarchical respect, using it in inappropriate contexts can sound rude. On the other hand, it often appears in political discussions, protests, and situations where there is a clash of ideas. Its use in media, such as dramas and mangas, is usually associated with characters who challenge the system.

Although it is not as common as verbs like 言う (iu - to say) or 行く (iku - to go), 逆らう (sakarau - to oppose) has a notable presence in formal texts and narratives. For Japanese learners, it is worth learning it to understand more complex dialogues or news. One curiosity is that, in some regional dialects, variations in pronunciation may occur, but the meaning remains the same throughout the country.

Vocabulary

Expand your vocabulary with related words:

Verb conjugation of 逆らう

逆らいます Polite way
逆らわない negative form
逆らおう Potential Form
逆らえ imperative form
逆らお volitional form
逆らって te-form
逆らっていた past form

Synonyms and similar words

逆らい (sakarai) - Disobey, go against.
反抗する (hankou suru) - Rebel, resist authority or power.
抵抗する (teikou suru) - Resist, oppose something, especially to force or pressure.
反する (han suru) - To oppose, to contradict, to disagree.
違う (chigau) - Being different, not being the same; it can indicate a discrepancy.
逆行する (gyakkou suru) - Go in the opposite direction, retreat.