How to say "hostility" in Japanese
Choosing the right word
- 敵対てきたいnoun, suru verb, intransitive verbCovers hostility as a state of antagonism between two parties or sides, rather than an inner feeling; think of rivals or groups set against each other.
- 敵意てきいnounThe feeling itself: hostility, animosity or enmity directed at a person, as an emotion one harbors rather than a relationship or open conflict.
- 反目はんもくnoun, suru verb, intransitive verbMutual antagonism or feuding between parties; it stresses reciprocal hostility, each side set against the other, rather than a one-sided feeling.
- 反対はんたいsuru verb, intransitive verb, no-adjective, na-adjectiveReally means being against something—a plan, proposal or policy; its connection to 'hostility' is indirect, so it is seldom the word you want for hostile feeling.
- 反抗はんこうnoun, suru verb, intransitive verbDefiance or resistance against authority or control—insubordination rather than hostility; it matches 'hostility' only loosely, so choose it when the sense is defying, not feeling enmity.
Use 敵意 for hostile feelings toward someone, 敵対 or 反目 for mutual antagonism between parties, while 反対 and 反抗 are really opposition and defiance, only loosely 'hostility'.
Usage comparisons are AI-assisted and cross-checked by multiple models; for study reference only
Japanese equivalents
See also
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