1.
opposing opinion; dissenting view; objection
An opinion or view that contradicts or opposes a given proposal, decision, or mainstream position. Common in meetings, debates, parliamentary proceedings, and any discussion where differing viewpoints are expressed.
Compound of 反対 ('opposition; opposite') and 意見 ('opinion; view'). A neutral, formal term for expressing disagreement that carries no inherently negative connotation — in deliberative contexts, 反対意見 is treated as a healthy and expected part of decision-making.
Usage
- Standard in business meetings, academic discussions, and parliamentary debate
- Often paired with 賛成意見 ('supporting opinion') as contrasting terms
- In Japanese workplace culture, voicing 反対意見 directly can be socially delicate, so people often soften it with expressions like 「少し違う考えがあるのですが」
Common collocations
- 反対意見を述べる: to state an opposing opinion
- 反対意見が出る: opposing opinions come up
- 反対意見を聞く: to listen to dissenting views
- 反対意見を押し切る: to override objections