抵抗 in 30 Seconds
- Teikou means 'resistance' in physical, electrical, and psychological contexts.
- It is often used as 'teikou ga aru' to mean 'I feel awkward/hesitant about this.'
- In science, it refers to friction (air/water) or electrical resistance (ohms).
- It can also mean active political or social opposition to authority.
The Japanese word 抵抗 (ていこう - teikou) is a multi-faceted noun and suru-verb that primarily translates to 'resistance' or 'opposition.' At its core, it represents the act of pushing back against a force, whether that force is physical, psychological, social, or scientific. In a physical sense, it describes the friction or air resistance encountered by a moving object. In an electrical context, it refers to the property of a material that opposes the flow of electric current. However, in daily Japanese conversation, it is most frequently used to describe a psychological feeling of reluctance, hesitation, or discomfort when faced with a particular action or situation.
- Physical Resistance
- The force that opposes motion, such as air resistance (空気抵抗) or water resistance (水抵抗).
- Psychological Resistance
- A feeling of 'not wanting to do something' or feeling that something is 'wrong' or 'uncomfortable' (抵抗がある).
- Social/Political Resistance
- Opposing authority, a government, or an invading force (抵抗運動).
「新しいルールにはかなりの抵抗があるようです。」(There seems to be considerable resistance to the new rules.)
Etymologically, the first kanji 抵 (tei) means 'to touch,' 'to reach,' or 'to resist,' while the second kanji 抗 (kou) means 'to confront,' 'to defy,' or 'to oppose.' Together, they create a powerful image of standing firm against an external pressure. Unlike simple 'dislike' (嫌い), teikou implies a clash of forces or a barrier that prevents smooth progress. When someone says they have 'teikou' toward eating raw insects, they aren't just saying they don't like it; they are saying their mind or body is actively pushing back against the idea.
「彼は無駄な抵抗はやめた。」(He stopped his futile resistance.)
- Electrical Context
- Used in physics to denote Ohmic resistance (オーム抵抗).
- Biological Context
- Used to describe immunity or resistance to bacteria (抵抗力).
Understanding teikou requires recognizing the 'push-back' nature of the word. It is not passive. Even when used for a feeling, it suggests an internal struggle where your values or habits are fighting against a new stimulus. This is why it is used for 'Resistance Movements' in history books—it is the active, often brave, act of standing up against a dominant power.
Using 抵抗 (teikou) correctly depends on whether you are using it as a noun or a verb. As a noun, it often pairs with the particles がある (there is), を感じる (to feel), or を示す (to show). As a suru-verb (抵抗する), it means 'to resist' or 'to fight back.' In everyday Japanese, the noun form is incredibly versatile for expressing subtle social nuances.
「一人で焼肉に行くのは、少し抵抗があります。」(I feel a bit of resistance/hesitation about going to yakiniku alone.)
In the example above, the speaker isn't saying it's impossible, but rather that there is a psychological barrier. This is a very polite and common way to express that you find something awkward or embarrassing without being overly negative. When you use the verb form 抵抗する, the tone becomes more active and often more serious. It can describe a suspect resisting arrest (逮捕に抵抗する) or a body resisting a virus (ウイルスに抵抗する).
- Grammar Pattern: [Noun/Verb-form] + に抵抗がある
- Used to express psychological reluctance. Example: 「嘘をつくことに抵抗がある」(I have resistance to telling lies.)
- Grammar Pattern: [Force] + に抵抗する
- Used to express active opposition. Example: 「支配に抵抗する」(To resist domination.)
In academic or technical writing, teikou is used for friction and electrical resistance. For example, '空気抵抗を減らす' (to reduce air resistance) is a common phrase in automotive engineering. In these contexts, the word is purely objective and lacks the 'awkwardness' nuance found in social contexts. It is important to distinguish between 'active resistance' (fighting back) and 'passive resistance' (not complying).
「彼は最後まで権力に抵抗し続けた。」(He continued to resist power until the end.)
When describing someone's personality, you might say they are '抵抗感がない' (teikou-kan ga nai), meaning they are open-minded or don't get embarrassed easily. This is often a compliment in modern contexts where flexibility is valued. Conversely, someone who is '抵抗が強い' (teikou ga tsuyoi) might be seen as stubborn or very traditional.
You will encounter 抵抗 (teikou) in a wide variety of settings, from news broadcasts to casual conversations between friends. Its versatility makes it a staple of the Japanese language. In the news, it is frequently used in political segments regarding opposition to new laws or international resistance movements. In sports, commentators talk about 'air resistance' affecting a ski jumper or a cyclist.
- In the News
- 「デモ隊が警察に激しく抵抗しました。」(The protesters resisted the police fiercely.)
- In Science Class
- 「この回路の抵抗を計算しなさい。」(Calculate the resistance of this circuit.)
- In Daily Life
- 「派手な服を着るのは抵抗があるなあ。」(I feel some resistance to wearing flashy clothes.)
「冬は抵抗力が落ちやすいので、風邪に気をつけてください。」(In winter, your resistance/immunity tends to drop, so please be careful not to catch a cold.)
In anime and manga, characters often shout '無駄な抵抗はやめろ!' (Muda na teikou wa yamero! - Stop your futile resistance!) during fight scenes. This is a classic trope used by villains or police officers. On the other hand, in 'slice of life' anime, a character might express teikou about holding hands or calling someone by their first name, highlighting the psychological barrier of intimacy.
In business meetings, you might hear '現場の抵抗' (genba no teikou), referring to the pushback from workers on the ground when management tries to implement a new system. This is a crucial term for understanding organizational dynamics in Japan. It suggests that while people might not say 'no' directly, their internal 'resistance' makes the change difficult to implement.
While 抵抗 (teikou) is common, learners often confuse it with other words for 'opposition' or 'dislike.' The most common mistake is using it interchangeably with 反対 (hantai). While both involve being against something, hantai is a clear 'no' or a logical disagreement, whereas teikou is the 'feeling of friction' or the 'act of pushing back.'
- Teikou vs. Hantai
- Use 反対 for voting 'no' or disagreeing with an opinion. Use 抵抗 for the psychological struggle or physical force.
- Teikou vs. Kirai
- Use 嫌い for personal taste (I hate carrots). Use 抵抗がある for social discomfort (I feel weird about eating this in public).
❌ 「私はその計画に抵抗です。」 (Incorrect: I am resistance to that plan.)
✅ 「私はその計画に反対です。」 (Correct: I am against that plan.)
✅ 「私はその計画に抵抗を感じます。」 (Correct: I feel resistance toward that plan.)
Another mistake is the misuse of the particle. When expressing psychological resistance, you must use に or に対して. Saying '計画を抵抗する' is grammatically awkward; it should be '計画に抵抗する' or '計画に対して抵抗を感じる.' Furthermore, learners sometimes forget that teikou can be a noun. You don't always need the verb form.
Finally, be careful with the word 反抗 (hankou). While it also means resistance, it specifically refers to rebellion against authority, like a teenager against a parent. Teikou is much broader and can apply to air, electricity, or just a weird feeling. Using hankou when you mean teikou can make you sound like a rebellious child rather than someone expressing a nuanced feeling.
To truly master 抵抗 (teikou), it helps to understand its neighbors in the Japanese vocabulary. Depending on the context—whether it's social, physical, or emotional—different words might be more appropriate. Here are the most common synonyms and related terms.
- 反抗 (Hankou)
- Rebellion or defiance. Specifically used for subordinates or children resisting those in power.
- 阻止 (Soshi)
- Obstruction or prevention. Used when you want to stop something from happening entirely.
- 摩擦 (Masatsu)
- Friction. Used both physically (rubbing) and socially (conflict between people).
- 拒絶 (Kyozetsu)
- Refusal or rejection. A much stronger, more final word than teikou.
「彼は親に反抗しているが、社会のルールには抵抗を感じている。」(He is rebelling against his parents, but feels resistance toward social rules.)
If you are talking about 'resistance' in the sense of 'stamina' or 'toughness,' you might use 粘り (nebari). This refers to the quality of not giving up, like the stickiness of natto. If you are talking about 'opposing' a specific idea, 反対 (hantai) is your best bet. If you are talking about 'fighting back' in a war, 抗戦 (kousen) is the specialized military term.
In a scientific context, 'impedance' is インピーダンス, but for basic DC circuits, teikou is the standard. In the world of psychology, teikou is used exactly like the English term 'resistance' in therapy—the patient's subconscious blocking of progress. Knowing these synonyms allows you to choose the word that fits the 'strength' and 'direction' of the opposition you are describing.
How Formal Is It?
Difficulty Rating
Grammar to Know
～に抵抗がある (Psychological state)
～に抵抗する (Action of opposing)
～に対する抵抗感 (Feeling toward something)
～を抵抗なく受け入れる (Accepting without resistance)
Examples by Level
この食べ物には少し抵抗があります。
I feel a bit of resistance to this food.
Uses 'ni' to show the object of resistance.
抵抗しないでください。
Please do not resist.
Negative imperative form of teikou suru.
彼は抵抗がありません。
He has no resistance (he is okay with it).
Teikou ga nai means 'no objection' or 'no hesitation'.
風の抵抗を感じます。
I feel the wind resistance.
Physical usage of teikou.
これは抵抗ですか？
Is this a resistor?
Noun usage in electronics.
水の中に抵抗があります。
There is resistance in the water.
Describing physical friction.
新しい服に抵抗がある。
I feel resistance to the new clothes.
Psychological hesitation.
抵抗をなくしましょう。
Let's remove the resistance.
Object + o + nakusu (to remove).
冬は体の抵抗力が弱くなります。
In winter, the body's resistance (immunity) becomes weak.
Teikouryoku refers to immunity.
犯人は警察に抵抗した。
The criminal resisted the police.
Past tense of teikou suru.
一人で入るのに抵抗がある店だ。
It's a shop I feel resistance to entering alone.
Noun + ni + teikou ga aru.
空気抵抗を減らすデザインです。
It is a design that reduces air resistance.
Kuuki teikou is a compound noun.
彼女は変化に抵抗している。
She is resisting change.
Present progressive (te-iru) form.
この素材は熱に抵抗がある。
This material has resistance to heat.
Physical property description.
無駄な抵抗はやめなさい。
Stop your futile resistance.
Muda na (futile) is a common adjective for teikou.
心の抵抗を取り除く。
Remove the resistance of the heart.
Metaphorical usage.
親の意見に抵抗を感じるようになった。
I have come to feel resistance toward my parents' opinions.
V-youni naru (to become so that...).
この薬は細菌の抵抗力を強める。
This medicine strengthens the bacteria's resistance.
Scientific context: antibiotic resistance.
彼は何の抵抗もなく嘘をついた。
He told a lie without any resistance (hesitation).
Nan no... mo naku (without any...).
電気抵抗の単位はオームです。
The unit of electrical resistance is the ohm.
Technical terminology.
改革には強い抵抗が予想される。
Strong resistance to the reform is expected.
Passive voice (yosou sareru).
彼女は誘いに少し抵抗を示した。
She showed a little resistance to the invitation.
Teikou o shimesu (to show resistance).
摩擦抵抗が大きすぎて動かない。
The frictional resistance is too great, so it won't move.
Masatsu teikou (frictional resistance).
抵抗勢力を説得するのは難しい。
It is difficult to persuade the resistance forces.
Teikou seiryoku (opposition forces).
歴史上の抵抗運動について学ぶ。
Learn about historical resistance movements.
Teikou undou is the standard term for political resistance.
その案は現場の強い抵抗にあった。
The proposal met with strong resistance from the field (workers).
Teikou ni au (to meet/encounter resistance).
抗生物質への抵抗を持つウイルス。
Viruses that have resistance to antibiotics.
Biological resistance.
彼は権力に対して激しく抵抗した。
He resisted the power/authority fiercely.
Taishite (against/toward).
心理的な抵抗が行動を妨げている。
Psychological resistance is hindering action.
Shinriteki na (psychological).
この回路には可変抵抗器が使われている。
A variable resistor is used in this circuit.
Kahen teikouki (variable resistor).
彼女の言葉にはどこか抵抗があった。
There was something about her words that felt resistant/awkward.
Doko ka (somewhere/somehow).
水流の抵抗を最小限に抑える。
Minimize the resistance of the water flow.
Saishingen ni osaeru (to keep to a minimum).
体制への組織的な抵抗が始まった。
Systematic resistance to the regime has begun.
Soshikiteki na (systematic/organized).
その理論は学会で激しい抵抗に遭った。
The theory met with fierce resistance in the academic society.
Gakkai (academic society/conference).
自己のアイデンティティを保つための抵抗。
Resistance in order to maintain one's own identity.
Tame no (for the purpose of).
流体抵抗の計算式は非常に複雑だ。
The formula for fluid resistance is extremely complex.
Ryuutai teikou (fluid resistance).
彼は内なる抵抗を克服して舞台に立った。
He overcame his inner resistance and stood on the stage.
Uchi-naru (inner/internal).
この建築は風圧抵抗を考慮している。
This architecture takes wind pressure resistance into account.
Kouryo shite iru (taking into consideration).
植民地支配に対する非暴力の抵抗。
Non-violent resistance against colonial rule.
Hi-bouryoku (non-violence).
その翻訳には原文の抵抗が感じられる。
In that translation, one can feel the resistance of the original text.
Metaphorical usage in linguistics.
実存主義における抵抗の概念を論じる。
Discuss the concept of resistance in existentialism.
Academic discourse.
超伝導状態では電気抵抗がゼロになる。
In a superconducting state, electrical resistance becomes zero.
Choudendou (superconductivity).
権力の微視的な抵抗網を分析する。
Analyze the microscopic networks of resistance to power.
Bishiteki (microscopic/foucaultian sense).
素材の引張抵抗が限界に達した。
The tensile resistance of the material has reached its limit.
Hinnpari teikou (tensile resistance).
精神分析における抵抗は治癒への鍵である。
Resistance in psychoanalysis is the key to healing.
Clinical terminology.
彼は運命の過酷な抵抗に抗い続けた。
He continued to struggle against the harsh resistance of fate.
Aragau (to struggle/fight against).
法的な抵抗手段をすべて使い果たす。
Exhaust all legal means of resistance.
Tsukai-hatasu (to exhaust/use up).
言語の壁という根源的な抵抗に直面する。
Face the fundamental resistance known as the language barrier.
Kongenteki na (fundamental/root).
Common Collocations
Common Phrases
Often Confused With
Hantai is 'opposite/against'; Teikou is 'resistance/friction'.
Hankou is 'rebellion/defiance' (usually against people).
Kyozetsu is 'refusal/rejection' (stronger and more final).
Idioms & Expressions
Easily Confused
Sentence Patterns
[Noun] + に抵抗がある
[Verb-dictionary] + のに抵抗がある
[Force] + に抵抗する
[Noun] + の抵抗を減らす
Word Family
Related
How to Use It
Teikou implies a struggle, whereas Hantai implies a stance.
Always use Teikou for Ohms and friction.
Tips
Social Softener
Use 'teikou ga aru' to politely decline something that feels socially awkward.
Physics
Remember it for air resistance when talking about cars or planes.
Particles
Always use 'ni' for the object of resistance.
Immunity
Use 'teikouryoku' when talking about staying healthy in winter.
Tropes
Listen for 'Muda na teikou' in action scenes.
Kanji
Both kanji have the 'hand' radical, showing it's a physical action.
Change Management
Use it to describe employees' reluctance to new rules.
Mental Blocks
Use it for things you want to do but feel 'stuck' doing.
vs Hantai
Hantai = 'I disagree'; Teikou = 'I feel friction'.
Vowels
Make sure to hold the 'o' sound at the end (teikouuu).
Memorize It
Word Origin
Sino-Japanese word. Used since ancient times to describe physical opposition, later adapted for modern scientific and psychological concepts.
Cultural Context
The 'Japanese Resistance' usually refers to anti-war activists during WWII.
Sometimes used in 'cringe' contexts (kizu-teikou).
Expressing psychological resistance is a polite way to decline without being confrontational.
Practice in Real Life
Real-World Contexts
Conversation Starters
"一人で海外旅行に行くのに抵抗はありますか？ (Do you feel any resistance to traveling abroad alone?)"
"最近、何かに抵抗を感じたことはありますか？ (Have you felt resistance to anything recently?)"
"新しい技術に抵抗があるほうですか？ (Are you the type to have resistance to new technology?)"
"風の抵抗が強い日は自転車が大変ですよね？ (It's hard to bike on days with strong wind resistance, right?)"
"このデザイン、少し抵抗ありませんか？ (Don't you find this design a bit 'much'?)"
Journal Prompts
自分が一番抵抗を感じる社会的なルールは何ですか？ (What social rule do you feel the most resistance toward?)
無駄だと思いながらも抵抗してしまった経験を書いてください。 (Write about a time you resisted even though you knew it was futile.)
健康のために抵抗力を高める方法を考えてみましょう。 (Think of ways to increase your immunity/resistance for your health.)
新しい言語を学ぶとき、どんな抵抗を感じますか？ (What kind of resistance do you feel when learning a new language?)
「抵抗」という言葉から連想する歴史的な出来事は何ですか？ (What historical event do you associate with the word 'resistance'?)
Frequently Asked Questions
10 questionsYes, but it implies you feel it's awkward or socially difficult, not just a matter of taste.
It means immunity or the body's ability to resist disease.
Yes, for air and water resistance (aerodynamics/hydrodynamics).
Muda na teikou (無駄な抵抗).
Yes, it is the standard word for electrical resistance (Ohms).
Hankou is specifically rebelling against authority; teikou is broader.
Very common in both daily life and technical fields.
Yes, if you are physically or verbally fighting back against them.
A resistor (electronic component).
Usually considered N3, but used in N2/N1 contexts frequently.
Test Yourself 180 questions
/ 180 correct
Perfect score!
Summary
Teikou (抵抗) is the go-to word for any kind of 'push-back.' Whether it's the wind hitting your face, a resistor in a circuit, or that 'cringe' feeling you get when asked to do something embarrassing, teikou covers the friction of life.
- Teikou means 'resistance' in physical, electrical, and psychological contexts.
- It is often used as 'teikou ga aru' to mean 'I feel awkward/hesitant about this.'
- In science, it refers to friction (air/water) or electrical resistance (ohms).
- It can also mean active political or social opposition to authority.
Social Softener
Use 'teikou ga aru' to politely decline something that feels socially awkward.
Physics
Remember it for air resistance when talking about cars or planes.
Particles
Always use 'ni' for the object of resistance.
Immunity
Use 'teikouryoku' when talking about staying healthy in winter.
Example
空気抵抗があります。
Related Content
This Word in Other Languages
More Science words
吸収
A1The act of taking in or soaking up something, such as liquid, light, heat, or knowledge. It describes both a physical process, like a sponge soaking up water, and a metaphorical process, like a student learning new information quickly.
分析
B1Analysis refers to the process of breaking down a complex topic, substance, or situation into smaller parts to gain a better understanding of its structure or nature. In Japanese, it is frequently used as a suru-verb in scientific, business, and logical contexts to describe objective investigation.
原子
A1An atom is the basic building block of all matter and the smallest unit of a chemical element. It consists of a dense central nucleus surrounded by a cloud of negatively charged electrons.
引力
A1The physical force of attraction that pulls objects toward one another, most famously observed as Earth's gravity. It is also used metaphorically to describe a powerful charm or magnetic influence that draws people toward something.
細菌
A1Microscopic single-celled organisms that can be found everywhere, including inside the human body. While some cause diseases, many are beneficial for health and the environment.
繁殖
A1The biological process by which animals, plants, or microorganisms produce offspring or increase in number. It is often used to describe the spreading or multiplication of species in a specific environment.
炭素
A1Carbon is a chemical element with the symbol C and atomic number 6. It is a fundamental building block of life and is found in substances ranging from charcoal and graphite to diamonds.
触媒
A1A substance that increases the rate of a chemical reaction without undergoing any permanent chemical change itself. Metaphorically, it refers to a person or event that causes an important change or action to happen more quickly.
塩素
A1A chemical element (symbol Cl) that is a yellow-green gas with a strong smell. It is widely used for disinfecting swimming pools and tap water, as well as in cleaning products like bleach.
解明
A1The act of clarifying, solving, or unraveling a mystery, a complex problem, or a scientific phenomenon through investigation. It emphasizes the process of making something that was previously hidden or unknown clear and understandable.
