Meaning and Usage
"対抗" (たいこう) primarily means "opposition" or "antagonism," often used to describe actions taken to resist or compete against someone or something. It is a formal term frequently seen in business, sports, and social contexts.
Common Contexts
It is commonly used when talking about competing companies, rival candidates, or opposing forces. For example, "対抗馬" refers to a contender or rival candidate in a competition.
Collocations and Patterns
- 対抗する (たいこうする): to oppose or compete against
- 対抗馬 (たいこうば): a rival or contender
- 対抗意識 (たいこういしき): a sense of rivalry or antagonism
Register and Nuance
"対抗" is somewhat formal and often used in written or formal spoken Japanese. It implies a deliberate and active opposition rather than passive resistance.
Common Mistakes
Learners sometimes confuse "対抗" with simpler words like "反対" (はんたい), which means "disagreement" or "opposition" in opinion. "対抗" focuses more on active competition or resistance, not just differing opinions.