How to say "contrary" in Japanese

• 裏腹うらはらCommon
  na-adjective, nounDescribes something that turns out contrary to what was expected, hoped for, or intended — efforts meeting an opposite result. It is not the word for physical reversal.
  「見た目みためは悪わるくないがちょっと軽薄けいはくそう」な外見がいけんとは裏腹うらはらに、彼女かのじょはいないし、女性じょせいに手てが早はやいワケでもない。↗

  In contrast to his "not bad looks but seems a bit of a dandy" appearance, he didn't have a girlfriend and he wasn't particularly fast with the ladies.
• あべこべJLPT N1approx.Common
  no-adjective, na-adjectiveA mimetic word for things being the wrong way round — order, direction, or two sides swapped. It points to a concrete mix-up rather than an abstract or logical contrary.
  あなたはシャツをあべこべに着きている。↗

  You are wearing your shirt inside out.
• 裏返しうらがえしJLPT N1approx.Common
  nounLiterally something turned inside out or over; by extension the flip side or reverse of a matter, including a statement flipped to its opposite. For a plain opposite it is not the usual pick.
• 反対はんたいJLPT N4approx.Common
  no-adjectiveThe all-purpose word: opposite in direction or position, a contrary opinion, or the reverse of what was said. When you just need 'contrary' with no special nuance, this is the safe choice.

Use 反対 for the general sense of opposite or opposing; 裏腹 for results contrary to expectations; 「あべこべ」 for things the wrong way round; 「裏返し」 for the flip side or inside-out reversal.

Usage comparisons are AI-assisted and cross-checked by multiple models; for study reference only

• 裏腹うらはらopposite
• あべこべcontrary
• 裏返しうらがえしflip side
• 反対はんたいreverse
• 裏うらopposite (of a prediction, common sense, etc.)