How to say "enemy" in Japanese

• 仇あだCommon
  nounCovers 'enemy' as a personal foe—someone regarded as one's own adversary, often with a grudge—and can also mean a rival. For enemies in war, 敵 is the ordinary choice.
• 敵てきJLPT N3approx.Common
  nounThe general word for 'enemy': an opponent or hostile party in war, competition, or a game, and by extension a danger or threat. The default choice for most senses of 'enemy'.
  彼かれは敵てきに不意ふい打うちを食くわせた。↗

  He surprised his opponent.

Use 敵 for the general sense of enemy—an opponent, hostile force, or danger—while 仇 suits a personal foe or rival, someone you regard as your own adversary.

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

• 仇あだfoe
• エネミーenemy
• 敵かたきrival
• 敵兵てきへいenemy (soldier)
• 敵手てきしゅrival
• 敵てきmenace