Ways to say it
| Japanese | Romanization (Wiktionary) | IPA |
|---|---|---|
| 異議 | igi | [iɡʲi] (narrow) |
| 反対 | hantai | [hã̠nta̠i] (narrow) |
| 異論 | iron | [iɾõ̞ɴ] (narrow) |
In Japanese, the word you choose for objection depends on whether you are expressing a procedural disagreement, a general state of being against an idea or simply having a different opinion.
Which one should you use?
The forms used to express opposition vary by nuance: 異議 is used for formal or procedural objections, such as those found in a courtroom or a formal meeting. 反対 is a more general term used when you are 'against' something or expressing opposition to an idea or policy. 異論 refers specifically to having a different opinion or a dissenting view rather than a flat rejection.
How does it change in a sentence?
To express an objection formally as a verb, you can use the construction 異議を申し立てる (to lodge an objection). In formal settings like meetings or courtrooms, the expression 反対します can be used to mean 'I object'.
How do you pronounce it?
igi
Did you know?
- While 反対 means 'against', Japanese people often avoid saying it directly to prevent conflict. They might use the softer phrase 難しい (muzukashii), meaning 'it is difficult', to signal an objection.
- In Japanese courtrooms, lawyers do not shout 'objection' as a single word. Instead, they use the formal phrase 異議あり (igi ari), which literally means 'there is an objection'.
- The word 反対 is also used to mean 'opposite' in a spatial sense, such as the 'opposite side' of a street or the 'opposite direction' of travel.
Examples in context
- 異論はないです。There is no objection on my part.This sentence shows how to state that you have no dissenting view using 異論.Tatoeba #191010 by KK_kaku_, translation #28170 by CK
- 何か異議がありますか？Do you have any objection?This sentence asks if someone has a formal objection using 異議.Tatoeba #4898205 by huizi99, translation #3396443 by CK
- この計画に異議はありますか。Do you have any objection to this plan?This sentence asks if there is an objection to a specific plan using 異議.Tatoeba #222213 by KK_kaku_, translation #59539 by CK
- 社長、私はこの提案に反対します。Mr. President, I object to this proposal.
- 友達の提案にいやだって言った。I objected to my friend's proposal.
- 6 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
In a business meeting, a member raises a point about a new rule.
- 陽葵 Himariその決定に対して異議があります。Sono kettei ni taishite igi ga arimasu.I have an objection to that decision.
- 健太 Kenta具体的にどのような異議ですか？Gutaiteki ni dono yō na igi desu ka?Specifically, what kind of objection is it?
- 陽葵 Himariコストが予算を超えています。Kosuto ga yosan o koete imasu.The cost exceeds the budget.
- 健太 Kenta分かりました、再検討しましょう。Wakarimashita, saikentō shimashō.I understand, let's reconsider it.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “objection” translations and entries 異議, 反対, 異論, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
