逆 (nì) - to go against & to disobey

逆Tone 4

nì ｜ 9 strokes ｜ radical:

楠念

逆 · nì

to go against;

to disobey;

contrary;

adverse;

rebellious;

to anticipate;

to welcome

to go againstto disobeycontrary

Usage highlights

against the currentrebel/rebellionadverse circumstancescontrary toreverse ordermathematical inverse

Synonyms

  • 反— oppose; contrary
  • 违— disobey; violate
  • 叛— rebel; betray

Antonyms

  • 顺— follow; obey; smooth
  • 从— follow; obey
  • 遵— comply with; follow

Usage & contexts

Examples

  • He went against the current (逆流而上).
  • This is contrary to common sense (逆常识).
  • We must anticipate possible problems (逆推 potential issues).
  • The rebel army was defeated (逆军 defeated).

Collocations

  • against the current(逆流)
  • rebel/rebellion(叛逆)
  • adverse circumstances(逆境)
  • contrary to(逆于)
  • reverse order(逆序)
  • mathematical inverse(逆运算)

Idioms

  • Advancing against the current, retreating means falling behind(逆水行舟，不进则退)
  • Rebellious and unfilial(逆子叛臣)
  • To go against heaven and reason(逆天悖理)
  • To welcome guests(逆旅相逢)

Cultural background

FAQ
  • In traditional Chinese thought, '逆' often carries negative connotations of disobedience and rebellion against proper order.
  • The character appears in philosophical texts discussing the conflict between human will and natural or social order.
  • Despite its generally negative meaning, '逆' can also denote positive qualities like perseverance when facing adversity.

FAQ