反抗

はんこう

opposition, resistance

JLPT N3

Character Breakdown

Usage and Nuances

The verb 反抗 (fǎnkàng) primarily means "to resist" or "to rebel against" authority, control, or oppression. It often implies an active opposition, whether in personal relationships, social contexts, or political struggles.

Common Contexts

  1. Family and social relationships: Children or younger people may 反抗 parents or elders when they disagree with rules or expectations.
  2. Labor and political resistance: Workers or groups may 反抗 unfair treatment or oppressive regimes.
  3. Personal attitude: Someone may 反抗 authority or norms to assert independence or express dissent.

Collocations and Patterns

  • 反抗权威 (resist authority): used when opposing established power or control.
  • 反抗命令 (resist orders): often used in military or organizational contexts.
  • 反抗压迫 (resist oppression): common in political or social justice discussions.

Register and Tone

The term is neutral but often carries a serious or strong tone, reflecting conflict or struggle. It is suitable for formal and informal contexts but is more common in written or formal spoken Chinese when discussing resistance or rebellion.

Common Confusion

Do not confuse 反抗 with (kàngjù), which also means "to resist" but is more about refusal or rejection, often in a more passive or defensive sense. 反抗 emphasizes active opposition or rebellion.

Example Sentences

The children began to resist their parents' strict discipline.

The workers resisted the unfair wages and held a strike.

He resists authority and refuses to obey orders blindly.