How to say "resistance" in Japanese
Choosing the right word
- 抵抗ていこうnoun, suru verb, intransitive verbThe broad, general word for resistance as an act: resisting or standing up to force, pressure, or an opposing power. When 'resistance' means actively holding out against something, this is the usual choice.
- 反対はんたいsuru verb, intransitive verb, no-adjective, na-adjectivePrimarily 'opposition': being against a plan, proposal, or idea. Its 'resistance' sense is this kind of objection, so it is not the word for physical resistance or defiance.
- 耐性たいせいnounResistance as a capacity to withstand: a material's resistance to heat or corrosion, or tolerance of a drug or pain. It describes what endures, not an act of resisting someone.
- nounThe loanword for a resistance movement: organized resistance against an occupying force or regime. Use it for that sense only, not for resistance in general.
- 反抗はんこうnoun, suru verb, intransitive verbResistance as defiance: rebelling against or refusing to obey authority, such as parents, teachers, or a boss. The nuance is insubordination — defying someone you are expected to obey.
Use 抵抗 for resistance in general, 耐性 for resistance to heat or corrosion and tolerance of drugs or pain, 「レジスタンス」 for a resistance movement, 反対 for opposition to a plan, and 反抗 for defiance of authority.
Usage comparisons are AI-assisted and cross-checked by multiple models; for study reference only
Japanese equivalents
- 抵抗ていこうresistance
- 反対はんたいopposition
- 耐性たいせいresistance (to heat, corrosion, etc.)
- レジスタンスresistance (movement)
- 反抗はんこうopposition
- 抗戦こうせんresistance
- 反発はんぱつopposition
- 抗争こうそうrivalry
- レジストresistance
- 手向かいてむかいresistance
- 導通抵抗どうつうていこうresistance (to conduction)
- 抗拒こうきょresistance
- 抵抗感ていこうかんantipathy
- 抵抗性ていこうせいresistibility
- 手応えてごたえfeeling in the hands (when striking, poking, etc.)
- 抵抗力ていこうりょく(power of) resistance
See also
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