Japanese word

逆転

Pronunciation

Romajigyakuten

Meaning

  • nouncomeback

Example

試合の最後に逆転しました。shi ai no sai go ni gyaku ten shi ma shi ta

We made a comeback at the end of the game.

Illustration for 逆転 (comeback)

More examples

後半に逆転の機会が訪れました。kō han ni gyaku ten no ki kai ga otozu re ma shi ta

A chance for a comeback came in the second half.

Core concept

Shows an unfavorable situation turning around so that the side that was behind gains the advantage.

Common phrases

  • 逆転するgyaku ten su ru

    make a comeback

  • 逆転勝ちgyaku ten ka chi

    comeback win

  • 逆転のチャンスgyaku ten no cha n su

    chance for a comeback

  • 逆転を狙うgyaku ten o nera u

    aim for a comeback

Similar words

追い上げoiage: To close the gap with the side in the lead without necessarily taking the lead.
巻き返しmakikaeshi: A recovery from a losing position that restores a side's strength or advantage.
挽回bankai: The recovery of lost ground or an earlier disadvantage.

Definition in Japanese

不利な立場にあった側が、試合や勝負で相手を追い越して有利な立場になること。fu ri na tachi ba ni a tta gawa ga shi ai ya shō bu de ai te o o i ko shi te yū ri na tachi ba ni na ru ko to

Word origin

逆 (gyaku, "reverse") and 転 (ten, "turn") form a Sino-Japanese compound for a reversal of position or fortune.

Usage tips

  • A 逆転 (gyakuten) can happen late in a game, so Japanese commentators use the word for a dramatic change in who is ahead.

Other meanings

  • reversalnoun

Related words

  • 逆転性gyakutenseireversibilitynoun

Word lists with this word