逆（ぎゃく、giゃku）
- reverse

The Japanese word 逆 (ぎゃく) has several meanings, all revolving around the concept of "opposite," "reverse," or "contrary." It can refer to things being the other way around, going against something, or being the antithesis of something else. It implies a state of being "the reverse of" or "in opposition to" something. The meaning of 逆 can shift based on the context.

⚫︎逆方向 Translation: Opposite direction ⚫︎逆効果 Translation: Adverse effect, counterproductive ⚫︎逆さまにする Translation: To turn upside down, to invert

逆 can be used in various situations to describe opposites, reversals, or things that go against expectations or the norm. ⚫︎When describing the opposite direction, order, or arrangement. ⚫︎When expressing an adverse or counterproductive outcome. ⚫︎When indicating that something is in reverse or inverted. ⚫︎It's frequently used in combination with other words to create compound words with more specific meanings. You can use it in formal and informal conversations.

The word 逆 is primarily written using the kanji 逆. ⚫︎The reading is ぎゃく. ⚫︎There is no other way to write it. ⚫︎There are no variations in the okurigana.

⚫︎反対 (はんたい): Opposite, opposition ⚫︎裏 (うら): Back, reverse side ⚫︎逆さま (さかさま): Upside down, inverted ⚫︎対 (つい): Against, opposite, toward ⚫︎反 (はん): Anti-, counter-

⚫︎正 (せい): Right, correct ⚫︎順 (じゅん): Order, sequence ⚫︎表 (おもて): Front, face

この薬は逆効果だった。 ・Translation: This medicine had the opposite effect. ・Explanation: The medicine didn't cure the illness; instead, it made it worse (逆 is used to convey "opposite effect").

彼は逆の意見を持っています。 ・Translation: He has the opposite opinion. ・Explanation: This uses 逆 to describe that someone holds an opposing viewpoint.

The kanji 逆 (ぎゃく) is composed of two parts. The upper part is 幸 (さち), meaning "happiness" or "good fortune." The lower part is 攵, a variant of 攴, a "hand holding a stick" indicating action. The original meaning relates to “to meet” or “to oppose.” This composition suggests the sense of "going against" or being "contrary to" what is desired or considered favorable. Over time, it evolved to encompass the broader meanings of "opposite," "reverse," and "contrary."