How to say "opponent" in Japanese

• 敵てきJLPT N3approx.Common
  nounThe common, broad word for an enemy, rival, or adversary in war, business, or competition. It implies hostility, so a neutral opponent in a match is better called 対戦相手.
  ある男おとこを判断はんだんするには、その人ひとの友人ゆうじんによるのと同様どうように敵てきによって判断はんだんするのがいいだろう。↗

  You shall judge of a man by his foes as well as by his friends.
• 敵かたきJLPT N1approx.
  noun (suffix), nounThe same kanji in its native reading, typically pointing to a personal enemy or sworn rival — someone you bear a grudge against — rather than a neutral opponent in a game or contest.
• 対戦相手たいせんあいて
  no-adjectiveThe neutral, descriptive term for the other side in a game, match, or contest — whoever you face, with no implication of hatred. For sports and games this is the word you want.
• 敵対者てきたいしゃ
  nounA person who opposes or stands against someone, in the vein of English 'adversary' or 'antagonist'. It describes an adversary in a struggle or conflict, and is seldom the word for a game or match opponent.
  彼かれは敵対者てきたいしゃにさえ新あたらしい経済けいざい計画けいかくに同意どういさせた。↗

  He got even his opponents to agree to the new economic plan.
• 対手たいしゅ
  nounNarrowly, an opponent in combat. Outside that setting it is seldom the word you want: a contest opponent is 対戦相手 and an enemy or rival is 敵, so learners rarely need this term.

敵 covers enemies, rivals and adversaries generally; 敵（かたき） adds a personal, grudge-tinged edge; 対戦相手 is the neutral other side in a game or match; 敵対者 is an abstract adversary; 対手 is an opponent in combat.

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

• 敵てきopponent
• 敵かたきrival
• 対戦相手たいせんあいてopponent
• 敵対者てきたいしゃopponent
• 対手たいしゅopponent (in combat)
• 反対者はんたいしゃfoe
• 対抗馬たいこうばrival candidate
• 相手国あいてこくpartner country
• 相手あいてopponent (sports, etc.)