敵
tekienemy or opponent in a conflict, competition, or struggle
彼は私の敵だ
He is my enemy.
敵を倒す
To defeat the enemy.
Can refer to literal enemies in war or metaphorical opponents in sports, business, or personal conflicts.
a rival or competitor
彼は私のビジネスの敵だ
He is my business rival.
Often used in competitive contexts beyond warfare.
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💡Pro Tip
Context Matters
'敵' can mean both literal and metaphorical opponents. Pay attention to the context to determine the exact meaning.
⚡Gold Rule
Strong Connotation
'敵' implies a significant level of opposition or hostility. Use with caution in formal or diplomatic contexts.
📖Word Origin
From Middle Chinese 'dék' (敵), meaning 'enemy' or 'opponent'. The kanji combines '止' (stop) and '歹' (death), symbolizing a force that must be stopped or defeated.
📝Usage Notes
In modern Japanese, '敵' can be used both literally (in war or sports) and metaphorically (in business or personal conflicts). It carries a strong connotation of opposition.