Meaning and Usage
"反感" (はんかん) refers to feelings of antipathy, dislike, or resentment toward someone or something. It is often used to describe emotional opposition or hostility in social or political contexts.
Common Contexts
You will frequently encounter "反感" when discussing public opinion, interpersonal relationships, or reactions to policies and behaviors. It expresses a negative emotional response that can lead to conflict or distancing.
Collocations and Patterns
- 反感を抱く (はんかんをいだく): to harbor antipathy
- 反感を買う (はんかんをかう): to provoke antipathy
- 反感を持つ (はんかんをもつ): to have antipathy These phrases are common when describing how someone feels or how others react emotionally.
Register and Nuance
"反感" is a formal noun often used in written and spoken Japanese at a neutral to formal level. It is not casual and usually appears in news, reports, or serious conversations.
Learner Tips
Avoid confusing "反感" with milder dislike words like "嫌い". "反感" implies a stronger, often collective or principled opposition rather than simple personal dislike. Use it when describing deeper or more serious negative feelings.