Japanese word

敵

Pronunciation

Romajiteki

Meaning

  • nounenemy

Example

あの人は私の敵です。a no hito wa watashi no teki de su

That person is my enemy.

Illustration for 敵 (enemy)

More examples

意見が違っても、すぐに敵だと決めつけないでください。i ken ga chiga tte mo su gu ni teki da to ki me tsu ke na i de ku da sa i

Even when opinions differ, do not immediately assume someone is an enemy.

Core concept

Describes a person, group, or force seen as standing against one's interests and likely causing harm.

Common phrases

  • 敵を作るteki o tsuku ru

    make an enemy

  • 敵になるteki ni na ru

    become an enemy

  • 共通の敵kyō tsū no teki

    common enemy

Similar words

相手aite: A person or side that one faces in a contest, conflict, or exchange.
ライバルraibaru: A person or group that competes with another for the same goal.

Definition in Japanese

自分に害を加えようとする相手。ji bun ni gai o kuwa e yō to su ru ai te

Word origin

敵 (teki, "enemy") is a Sino-Japanese term from Chinese, where the written word denotes an opposing person or force.

Usage tips

  • In English, enemy usually suggests hostility or danger, while opponent can describe a neutral competitor in a contest.

Other meanings

  • opponentnoun
  • rivalnoun

Opposites

Word lists with this word