Japanese Conversation · Level 83
60 words
Japanese word
逆効果
Pronunciation
Romajigyakukōka
Meaning
- nounopposite effect
Example
善意の助言が逆効果になることがあります。zen i no jo gen ga gyaku kō ka ni na ru ko to ga a ri ma su
Well-intended advice can sometimes have the opposite effect.
More examples
強く勧めすぎると、かえって逆効果になる場合があります。tsuyo ku susu me su gi ru to ka e tte gyaku kō ka ni na ru ba ai ga a ri ma su
Pushing too hard can sometimes have the opposite effect.
Core concept
Describes an action or influence that produces a result contrary to the one it was meant to produce.
Common phrases
逆効果になるgyaku kō ka ni na ru
have the opposite effect
逆効果を招くgyaku kō ka o mane ku
cause the opposite effect
Similar words
裏目urame: A result in which an effort leads to an outcome contrary to its intended goal.
反作用hansayō: A response or effect that acts in the opposite direction to an action or influence.
Definition in Japanese
意図した効果とは反対の結果を生じさせること。i to shi ta kō ka to wa han tai no kek ka o shō ji sa se ru ko to
Word origin
The compound 逆効果 (gyaku kōka, "opposite effect") combines 逆 (gyaku, "reverse") and 効果 (kōka, "effect").
Usage tips
- The noun 逆効果 (gyaku kōka) often describes well-meant advice or help that makes a situation worse, while counterproductive more often describes the action causing that result.
Other meanings
- counterproductivenoun