逆説
gyakusetsu[ɡʲa̠kɯ̟̊se̞t͡sɨ]
The English phrase 'paradox' can be translated into Japanese as 逆説 (gyakusetsu). Wiktionary also lists パラドックス (paradokkusu) and 矛盾 (mujun).
Meaning: apparent contradiction which is nonetheless true (noun)
Ways to say it
| Japanese | Romanization (Wiktionary) | IPA |
|---|---|---|
| 逆説 | gyakusetsu | [ɡʲa̠kɯ̟̊se̞t͡sɨ] (narrow) |
| パラドックス | paradokkusu | [pa̠ɾa̠do̞k̚kɯ̟sɨ] (narrow) |
| 矛盾 | mujun | [mɯ̟ʑɨ̃ɴ] (narrow) |
逆説 refers to an apparent contradiction which is nonetheless true. You may also see the katakana form パラドックス used for the same concept. Additionally, the word 矛盾 can be used to describe a contradiction. When describing a person or a situation that is behaving inconsistently, you can use the verb form 矛盾している.
Which one should you use?
While 逆説 refers to a logical paradox that may be true, 矛盾 is more commonly used to describe a practical contradiction or an inconsistency between two statements or actions.
How do you pronounce it?
gyakusetsu
Did you know?
- The word 矛盾 literally combines the characters for 'spear' and 'shield'. It originates from a story about a salesman who claimed his spear could pierce any shield and his shield could block any spear.
- In modern Japanese pop culture, the katakana word パラドックス is often preferred over 逆説 when referring to science fiction concepts like time travel paradoxes.
- When a Japanese speaker says 矛盾している, they are not just stating a fact but often expressing a strong feeling of frustration or disbelief at someone's inconsistency.
Examples in context
- 「急げば急ぐほど遅くなる」は逆説である。More haste, less speed is a paradox.Tatoeba #236362 by mookeee, translation #73728 by Dejo
- 彼の言葉には常にパラドックスが含まれています。His words always contain paradoxes.
- 彼の行動は逆説的だ。His behavior is paradoxical.
- その理論には逆説が含まれている。Sono riron ni wa gyakusetsu ga fukumarete iru.That theory contains a paradox.
- 彼の言葉は逆説のようで面白い。Kare no kotoba wa gyakusetsu no you de omoshiroi.His words are interesting, like a paradox.
Example conversation
Two students are discussing a philosophical concept in a library.
- 陽葵 Himariこの文章は逆説になっているわね。Kono bunshou wa gyakusetsu ni natte iru wa ne.This sentence is a paradox, isn't it?
- 陽太 Yota本当だ。矛盾しているけれど正しいね。Hontou da. Mujun shite iru keredo tadashii ne.You're right. It's contradictory but true.
- 陽葵 Himari陽太君は、この逆説の意味がわかる？Hinata-kun wa, kono gyakusetsu no imi ga wakaru?Hinata, do you understand the meaning of this paradox?
- 陽太 Yota少し難しいけれど、考えさせられるよ。Sukoshi muzukashii keredo, kangaesaserareru yo.It's a bit difficult, but it makes me think.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “paradox” translations and entries 逆説, パラドックス, 矛盾, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries パラドックス, 矛盾, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
