reverse

1. Origins, structure, and basic meaning

• Structure: The on reading is ぎゃく, and the kun readings are さか, さからう. It has 9 strokes and relates to opposition in direction, order, or opinion, and going against a force.
• Basic usage: 逆 is read ぎゃく, and 逆らう is read さからう.

2. Common pitfalls and similar expressions

• 逆 / 逆らう
  • 逆 means opposite or reverse and is read ぎゃく. It describes a direction, order, or opinion that is the opposite of a reference point.
  • 私は賛成だが、弟の意見はまったく逆だった。 means “I agreed, but my younger brother's opinion was the exact opposite.”
  • 逆らう means go against or rebel and is read さからう. It describes going against a force such as wind or rebelling against an order.
  • 強い風に逆らって鳥が前へ進んだ。 means “The bird flew forward against the strong wind.”