逆境
gyakkyō[ɡʲa̠k̚ʲkʲo̞ː]
In Japanese, adversity is expressed as 逆境 (gyakkyō).
逆境 primarily refers to challenging external circumstances rather than internal struggles or personal hardships.
Meaning: adverse event (noun)
Which one should you use?
While 逆境 focuses on external circumstances, 困難 has a broader scope and can also refer to personal challenges and hardships. To explicitly emphasize challenging circumstances, you can use the phrase 困難な状況. Additionally, 苦境 refers to difficult situations or predicaments that one may find themselves in.
How does it change in a sentence?
When using a transitive verb like 'to overcome' (乗り越える), the particle を (wo) is used to mark 逆境 as the direct object. When expressing being 'in' or 'facing' adversity, the particle に (ni) is used after 逆境.
How do you pronounce it?
gyakkyō
Did you know?
- Japanese culture often emphasizes the concept of 逆境に強い, describing a person who is 'strong against adversity'. This is a highly praised trait in job interviews and professional evaluations.
- The first character of 逆境 means 'reverse' or 'opposite'. It is the same character used in 逆転, which refers to a dramatic comeback or a reversal of fortune in sports and drama.
- The kanji 境 in 逆境 refers to a boundary or a border, suggesting that adversity is a specific 'territory' or 'limit' that one must cross.
Examples in context
- 逆境を乗り越えるTo overcome adversityThis sentence is useful for practicing the phrase 'to overcome adversity' using 逆境.
- 逆境に直面しても彼女はにこにこしている。She carries on smiling even in the face of adversity.This sentence is useful for expressing how someone behaves when facing 逆境.Tatoeba #182766 by mookeee, translation #19887 by auxitt
- 彼は逆境に立ち向かって成功を収めた。He overcame adversity and achieved success.
- 彼女は困難を乗り越えて新しい人生を始めた。She overcame adversity and started a new life.
- 彼は逆境の中で成長した。Kare wa gyakkyō no naka de seichō shita.He grew through adversity.
Example conversation
Two friends are talking about a difficult challenge.
- 大翔 Hiroto今の状況は、まさに逆境だね。Ima no jōkyō wa, masa ni gyakkyō da ne.The current situation is truly an adversity.
- 陽葵 Himariでも、諦めたくないよ。Demo, akirametakunai yo.But I don't want to give up.
- 大翔 Hirotoその意気だよ、陽葵。Sono iki da yo, Himari.That's the spirit, Himari.
- 陽葵 Himari大翔、応援してくれてありがとう。Hiroto, ōen shite kurete arigatō.Hiroto, thanks for supporting me.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry 逆境, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Example sentences: Wiktionary CC BY-SA 4.0, Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
