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March 24, 2026
相反xiāngfǎn(xiang1fan3)
相反 (xiāngfǎn) refers to something that is opposite or contrary in nature or meaning. It is commonly used to describe contrasting ideas, behaviors, or situations, and can also apply to physical directions or conditions.
Frequency#3256DifficultyMedium
Cultural Note
In Chinese philosophy, especially in concepts like Yin and Yang, opposites are seen as interconnected and complementary, which is embodied in the usage of 相反 to describe dualities in life.
Memory Tip
Think of 相 (xiāng) as two hands coming together, representing 'togetherness,' and 反 (fǎn) as a hand pushing away, signaling 'opposition.' Visualize a pair of hands pushing against each other to remember 'opposite.'
Meanings of 相反
xiāngfǎn(xiang1fan3)
1opposite
2contrary
Exercise 1 of 2
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About 相反
相反Simplified
—Strokes
—Radical
形容词xíngróngcíadjective (adj.)Part of Speech
#3256Frequency Rank
HSK 2.0L4HSK 3.0L4IntermediateTOCFLL4HSKKL2CEFRB1
Podcast: 相反
Podcast: 相反
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AI Study Notes for 相反
Quick Contrast
相对 (xiāngduì) - use 相反 when emphasizing complete opposition, while 相对 indicates a relative comparison.
Memory Mnemonic
Think of 相 (xiāng) as two hands coming together, representing 'togetherness,' and 反 (fǎn) as a hand pushing away, signaling 'opposition.' Visualize a pair of hands pushing against each other to remember 'opposite.'
Usage Notes
Be cautious with the context in which you use 相反; it is often used in formal discussions or writing. A common mistake is to use it in a casual setting when a simpler word would suffice. Remember to pair it with appropriate subjects to clarify what is being contrasted.
HSK Study Tips
As an HSK Level 4 word, 相反 connects well with other oppositional words like 反对 (fǎnduì - oppose) and 对立 (duìlì - antagonism). Focus on using it in sentences that compare or contrast ideas to solidify understanding.
Cultural Note
In Chinese philosophy, especially in concepts like Yin and Yang, opposites are seen as interconnected and complementary, which is embodied in the usage of 相反 to describe dualities in life.
Common Mistakes
Learners sometimes confuse 相反 with 反对 (fǎnduì), using them interchangeably. For example, saying '我相反他的意见' instead of '我反对他的意见' (I oppose his opinion) is incorrect.
AI-enhanced 2026-03-24
Pronunciation of 相反
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Grammar Patterns of 相反
相反 functions as a verb — the action or state of the sentence. The Chinese order is Subject + Verb + Object (我吃饭). Negate it with 不 (habitual / future) or 没(有) (completed action). Add aspect markers like 了, 过, 着 directly after the verb. It carries 2 related meanings, each with its own usage notes below. The example sentences below show it in action, with practice buttons (Listen, Practice Writing, Practice Speaking) on every line.
Contrary to popular belief , many cats dislike milk.
10
黑与白是截然相反的.
hēi yǔ bái shì jié rán xiāng fǎn de.
Black and white are opposite.
Cultural Notes for 相反
🏮Cultural insight
In Chinese philosophy, especially in concepts like Yin and Yang, opposites are seen as interconnected and complementary, which is embodied in the usage of 相反 to describe dualities in life.
Frequently Asked Questions about 相反
You can use 相反 to compare two contrasting ideas, for example: '他的意见和我的相反' (His opinion is opposite to mine).
Yes, it can describe physical opposites, such as '这两辆车的颜色是相反的' (The colors of these two cars are opposite).
It is more often used in formal contexts, but can be used in casual conversation when discussing contrasting opinions.
