Yojijukugo
Japanese meaning of 二律背反
Voice sample:
にりつはいはん (niritsu haihan)
English Translation:
Contradiction, antinomy
Meaning & Cultural Context
Meaning:
Literally “two laws in opposition”; two ideas that are each reasonable but contradict each other.
日本語で読む
どちらも正しいように思える二つのことが、たがいに矛盾していること。
Cultural Context:
It is a translation of the philosophy term “antinomy.” It is also used for everyday dilemmas such as wanting to save money and wanting to travel.
日本語で読む
哲学の用語「アンチノミー」の訳語。貯金したいのに旅行もしたい、のような身近な板ばさみにも使う。
Grammar & Learning Points
Grammar Point
• Noun; often “二律背反の関係” or “二律背反に陥る.”
日本語で読む
•「二律背反の関係」「二律背反に陥る」のように使う。
Trap for English Speakers
律 is read りつ, not りち. It is not simply “disagreement between two people”; it is a contradiction between two ideas.
日本語で読む
「律」は「りつ」と読む。人どうしの対立ではなく、二つの考えの矛盾を表す。
Example
Example 1Basic Example
「やせたい」と「おいしいものを食べたい」は、私にとって二律背反だ。
Wanting to lose weight and wanting to eat good food are a contradiction for me.
Example 2Applied Example
「目立たず動く」と「手柄を立てて名を上げる」は、忍びにとって二律背反だった。
Moving unseen and making a name through great deeds were contradictory goals for a ninja.
Quick check
Meaning
What does 「二律背反」 mean?