How to say "equal" in Japanese
Choosing the right word
- 同じおなじprenominal modifier, na-adjectiveThis is really the word for 'same' or 'identical'; its 'equal' sense means simply that two things are the same. For strict or mathematical equality, 等しい is the precise choice.
- 等しいひとしいi-adjectiveThe precise word for equality itself: stating that two amounts, values, or things are equal, as in mathematics. When 'equal' is meant strictly rather than as 'the same', this is the word.
- 均等きんとうna-adjective, no-adjectiveCovers 'equal' in the sense of even or uniform: equal distribution, equal treatment, or things being at an equal level. Use it when something is divided or spread out equally.
- na-adjectiveThe loanword 'equal': the name of the equals sign in mathematics, or a statement that one thing equals or is equivalent to another. For describing things as equal it is seldom the word you want.
- 互角ごかくno-adjective, na-adjectiveCovers 'equal' only in the sense of ability: two opponents, teams, or sides that are evenly matched. It does not describe equal amounts, sizes, or values — only the balance between two competitors.
Choose 「同じ」 for 'the same', 「等しい」 for strict equality as in mathematics, 均等 for equal distribution, treatment, or level, 「イコール」 for the equals sign and 'equals' statements, and 互角 for evenly matched ability.
Usage comparisons are AI-assisted and cross-checked by multiple models; for study reference only
Japanese equivalents
- 同じおなじsame
- 等しいひとしいequal
- 均等きんとうequal (distribution, treatment, level, etc.)
- イコールequal
- 互角ごかくequal (in ability)
- 同等どうとうequality
- 匹敵ひってきto be a match for
- 一様いちようuniform
- 比類ひるいparallel
- 同様どうようsame
- 同一どういつidentical
- 一律いちりつuniform
- 匹儔ひっちゅうequal
- 比倫ひりんpeer
- 如くしくto match
- 同じいおなじいsame
- 敵うかなうto match
- 並ぶならぶto rival
- 比ひmatch
- とんとんeven
- 等とうequal
- 類いたぐいequal
- 横一線よこいっせんneck and neck
See also
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