反 (fǎn) - to turn over & reverse

反Tone 3

fǎn ｜ 4 strokes ｜ radical: 又

恩丰

反 · fǎn

to turn over;

reverse;

oppose;

rebel;

contrary;

against;

counter-

to turn overreverseoppose

Usage highlights

OpposeReactionRebellionCounterattackReflectionAnti

Synonyms

  • 逆— contrary; adverse
  • 叛— rebel; betray
  • 对— oppose; counter

Antonyms

  • 正— correct; proper; upright
  • 顺— obey; follow; smooth
  • 从— follow; obey

Usage & contexts

Examples

  • He opposed the proposal (反对).
  • Please turn the page (翻反).
  • This is the opposite direction (反方向).
  • The reaction was immediate (反应).

Collocations

  • Oppose(反对)
  • Reaction(反应)
  • Rebellion(反叛)
  • Counterattack(反击)
  • Reflection(反思)
  • Anti-(as a prefix, 反-)

Idioms

  • Things turn into their opposites when they reach the extreme(物极必反)
  • Turn grief into strength(化悲痛为力量)
  • Upset the enemy's plan(反间计)
  • Rebel against orthodoxy(反经行义)

Cultural background

FAQ
  • The character depicts a hand turning over an object, representing the concept of reversal or opposition.
  • In Chinese philosophy, it represents the dialectical principle that things develop in the opposite direction when they become extreme.
  • Historically used in political contexts to denote rebellion or opposition to authority.

FAQ