二律背反(にりつはいはん)

にりつはいはん
four-character idiom
antinomy; contradiction
1. antinomy; mutual contradiction; paradox
A situation where two propositions or principles, each appearing valid in itself, are mutually contradictory; an irreconcilable conflict between two equally reasonable positions.
経済(けいざい)成長(せいちょう)と環境(かんきょう)保護(ほご)は二律背反(にりつはいはん)の関係(かんけい)にあると言(い)われる。
Economic growth and environmental protection are said to be in an antinomical relationship.
自由(じゆう)と平等(びょうどう)の二律背反(にりつはいはん)は哲学(てつがく)の重要(じゅうよう)なテーマだ。
The antinomy between freedom and equality is an important topic in philosophy.
仕事(しごと)と家庭(かてい)の二律背反(にりつはいはん)に悩(なや)んでいる。
I'm struggling with the conflict between work and family.

ORIGIN: This is a Japanese translation of the philosophical term "antinomy" (from Greek). It was notably used by the German philosopher Immanuel Kant to describe contradictions in pure reason.

STRUCTURE: 二(に) (two) + 律(りつ) (laws/principles) + 背(はい) (against) + 反(はん) (oppose). Literally: two laws opposing each other.

USAGE: Used in philosophical, academic, and general contexts to describe situations where two principles or goals conflict with each other.

COMMON PATTERNS:

  • 二律背反(にりつはいはん)の関係(かんけい) (an antinomical relationship)
  • 二律背反(にりつはいはん)に陥(おちい)る (to fall into a contradiction)

SIMILAR EXPRESSIONS:

  • 矛盾(むじゅん) (contradiction)
  • ジレンマ (dilemma)
  • 板挟(いたばさ)み (caught between two conflicting forces)
general
Added 2026.1.17 14:25 · Revised 2026.1.19 21:17
06000/06221_niritsuhaihan