How to Write 逆 (nì) — Meaning “contrary; reverse; to go against”

Imagine you are walking (辶) and suddenly a giant arrow (like the top of 屰) points backward, telling you to reverse your direction. This visual of an arrow forcing you to go the opposite way helps you remember that 逆 means 'contrary' or 'reverse.'

Start by writing the radical 辶 (three strokes: dot, then the folding stroke, then the final sweep). Then write the right part 屰: first the dot at the top, then the horizontal stroke, then the vertical, then two lower horizontals, and finally the vertical hook. A common mistake is making the right part too wide; keep it balanced so the character fits neatly inside the 辶.

While all three use the radical 辶, their right parts differ. 迎 has 卬 (looking upward) and means 'to welcome,' 运 has 云 (cloud) and means 'to move' or 'transport.' 逆 uses 屰 (a reversed person) and specifically means 'to go against' or 'reverse direction.' Visually, 逆's right part has a distinct dot-and-stroke layout unlike the others.

逆 commonly appears in words like 逆风 (headwind) and 逆转 (reversal), often describing physical opposition or a change in direction. In culture, 逆 also carries the nuance of defiance, as in 叛逆 (rebellious), reflecting a traditional value of respecting authority while acknowledging the power of standing against it.

Common words containing 逆 include: 逆风 (nì fēng) — headwind; against the wind; 叛逆 (pàn nì) — rebellious; 逆转 (nì zhuǎn) — to reverse; to turn back.