resist

1. Origins, structure, and basic meaning

• Structure: 抗 has 7 strokes, the on-reading こう, and the kun-reading あらがう. 抵抗 (ていこう) and 反抗 (はんこう) express resistance.
• Basic usage: 抵抗 can describe physical resistance or opposition to a plan; 反抗 describes defying something such as an order.

2. Common pitfalls and similar expressions

• Physical resistance and defiance of orders
  • 強い抵抗 refers to the strong resistance felt when compressing a spring (ばね). 計画変更に強く抵抗した means strongly opposed a change to the plan.
  • 厳しい命令に反抗した means rebelled against a harsh order. 反抗するだけでなく extends beyond defiance to also explaining one's thoughts.