Translation and Meaning of: 逆 - gyaku

The Japanese word 逆 [ぎゃく] is a versatile and nuanced term, often found in everyday conversations, formal texts, and even in cultural expressions. If you've ever wondered about its meaning, how to use it correctly, or why it appears in so many different contexts, this article will clarify those questions. We will explore everything from the origin and writing of the kanji to practical memorization tips and examples of usage in Japanese daily life.

In the Suki Nihongo dictionary, 逆 is defined as "contrary", "inverse", or "opposite", but its meaning goes beyond the literal translation. This word carries a wealth of applications, from everyday situations to proverbs and traditional philosophies. Whether for Japanese students or language enthusiasts, understanding 逆 is essential for mastering common expressions and avoiding translation pitfalls.

Meaning and use of 逆 [ぎゃく]

The term 逆 (gyaku) is used to describe something that is in the opposite direction, in reverse order, or in contradiction to what is expected. For example, if someone says "逆の方向に行った" (gyaku no hōkō ni itta), it means that the person went in the opposite direction. This notion of opposition is not limited to physical directions – it also appears in abstract contexts, such as in "逆効果" (gyakukōka), which means "counterproductive effect" or "result opposite to what was desired."

In Japanese daily life, 逆 is a high-frequency word, especially in logical discussions, debates, and even in advice. A common expression is "逆に言えば" (gyaku ni ieba), which can be translated as "in other words" or "conversely," used to rephrase an argument. This type of construction shows how Japanese values the inverse perspective as a way to enrich dialogue.

Origin and writing of the kanji 逆

The kanji 逆 is composed of the movement radical (⻍) combined with the component 屰, which suggests an idea of opposition. According to the Kangorin dictionary, its origin dates back to ancient Chinese, where it represented the action of going against something. Over time, the character was incorporated into Japanese with the same sense of contrariety but gained its own specific uses in the language.

A useful tip for memorizing 逆 is to associate its bottom stroke (乚) with an arrow indicating the opposite direction. This same radical appears in other kanjis related to movement, such as 返 (to return) and 逃 (to escape). Although it is not the primary radical, this similarity helps recognize the general meaning of the character in different words.

Cultural curiosities and expressions with 逆

In Japan, the notion of "inverse" goes beyond the linguistic and permeates cultural aspects. One example is the proverb "逆もまた真なり" (gyaku mo mata shin nari), which means "the opposite is also true." This philosophy reflects the appreciation of balance and duality in Japanese culture, present in martial arts, the tea ceremony, and even in social organization.

In the media, 逆 often appears in the titles of dramas, mangas, and songs to convey ideas of twists or alternative perspectives. A famous case is the term "逆転" (gyakuten), used to describe dramatic turns in stories. This popularity reinforces how the concept of inversion is an integral part of modern Japanese narrative.

Vocabulary

Expand your vocabulary with related words:

Synonyms and similar words

• 反対 (hantai) - Opposition or contrariness to something.
• 逆転 (gyakuten) - Inversion, turnaround, especially in competitive situations.
• 逆さま (sakasama) - Upside down, inverted (more in a physical sense).
• 逆流 (gyakuryuu) - Counterflow, like a current that flows in the opposite direction.
• 逆境 (gyakkyou) - Adversity, unfavorable situation.
• 逆説 (gyakusetsu) - Paradox, a statement that seems to contradict logic.
• 逆手 (sakate) - Different hand position when grabbing or holding something.
• 逆光 (gyakkou) - Backlighting, especially when taking photos (light behind the object).
• 逆風 (gyakufuu) - Headwind, often used in ambiguous contexts.
• 逆行 (gyakukou) - Reverse movement, go in the opposite direction.
• 逆戻り (gyakumodori) - Return to a previous condition, to go back.
• 逆巻く (samak) - To form a whirlwind or a counter-clockwise spiral movement.
• 逆手に取る (sakate ni toru) - Use contrary advantage (in tactics).
• 逆転する (gyakuten suru) - Turn the tide in a situation, completely change the course.
• 逆らう (sakarau) - Disobey or go against something or someone.
• 逆さまになる (sakasama ni naru) - Turn upside down, have the situation reversed.
• 逆らえない (sakararenai) - Inability to resist or go against something.
• 逆流する (gyakuryuu suru) - Flowing or moving against the current.
• 逆境に立つ (gyakkyou ni tatsu) - To stay or be amid adversity.
• 逆説的に (gyakusetsuteki ni) - Paradoxically, using contradictions.
• 逆手に回す (sakate ni mawasu) - Turn the situation in your favor by using a change in strategy.
• 逆風に乗る (gyakufuu ni noru) - To benefit from an unfavorable situation (metaphorically).
• 逆境を乗り越える (gyakkyou o norikoeru) - Overcoming adversities.

逆

Romaji: gyaku
Kana: ぎゃく
Type: noun
L: jlpt-n3

Translation / Meaning: reverse; opposite

Meaning in English: reverse;opposite

Definition: What is behind. opposite meaning.

Example Sentences - (逆) gyaku

See below some example sentences:

形勢が逆転した。

Keisei ga gyakuten shita

The situation has completely changed.

The situation reversed.

• 形勢 - It means "situation" or "condition".
• が - Grammatical particle that indicates the subject of the sentence.
• 逆転 - It means "inversion" or "turnaround".
• した - past form of the verb "suru" which means "to do".

私は吃逆を持っています。

Watashi wa kisugyaku wo motteimasu

I have dysphagia.

I have a stutter.

• 私 - Japanese personal pronoun that means "I"
• は - Japanese particle that indicates the topic of the sentence
• 吃逆 - Japanese word meaning "acid reflux"
• を - Japanese particle that indicates the direct object of the sentence
• 持っています - Japanese verb meaning "to have" or "to possess", conjugated in the present tense

逆転の発想で問題を解決する。

Gyakuten no hassou de mondai wo kaiketsu suru

The problem is solved by the reverse idea.

• 逆転 - inversion, change of direction
• の - Possession particle
• 発想 - Idea, concept
• で - particle of the middle, form
• 問題 - problem
• を - direct object particle
• 解決 - solution, resolution
• する - verb "to do"

逆境に立ち向かうことが人生の成長につながる。

Gyakkyou ni tachimukau koto ga jinsei no seichou ni tsunagaru

Facing adversity leads to growth in life.

Confident adversities lead to the growth of life.

• 逆境 (gyakkyou) - adversity
• に (ni) - particle indicating destination or location
• 立ち向かう (tachimukau) - confront, resist
• こと (koto) - abstract noun, indicating action or event
• が (ga) - subject particle
• 人生 (jinsei) - life
• の (no) - partítulo indicando posse ou relação
• 成長 (seichou) - growth, development
• につながる (ni tsunagaru) - lead to, result in