How to say "equivalent" in Japanese

• イコールJLPT N2approx.Common
  na-adjectiveCovers 'equal; equivalent' in the literal sense, as in mathematics and symbols, where one value or expression equals another. Borrowed from English 'equal', it suits equations and comparisons of values rather than describing things that are merely alike.
• 同じおなじJLPT N5approx.Common
  prenominal modifier, na-adjectiveThe everyday word for 'same; identical; equal'. Use it when saying two things are the same or no different in practice — same price, same opinion, same amount — rather than for strict formal equivalence.
  ジャズが使つかう音符おんぷは、バッハが使つかったのと同おなじだ↗

  Jazz uses the same notes that Bach used.
• 比ひCommon
  nounIts core meaning is 'match; comparison', as in weighing things against each other or a ratio. As a way to say 'equivalent' it is marginal: it is seldom the word you want, and really means comparison or matching rather than equivalence itself.
• 等しいひとしいJLPT N3approx.Common
  i-adjectiveThe precise word for 'equivalent; no different from', used in mathematics, logic, and formal statements where two things are just like each other or exactly equal. Choose it when you need strict equivalence rather than casual sameness.
  彼かれの依頼いらいは命令めいれいに等ひとしかった。↗

  His request was equivalent to an order.

Use 「等しい」 for logical or mathematical equivalence, 「同じ」 for everyday sameness, 「イコール」 for the '=' or 'equal to' sense, and treat 比 as mainly 'comparison', rarely the word for 'equivalent'.

Usage comparisons are AI-assisted and cross-checked by multiple models; for study reference only

• イコールequal
• 同じおなじsame
• 同価どうかequivalent
• 当量とうりょうequivalent
• 相当語句そうとうごくequivalent
• 比ひmatch
• 等しいひとしいno different (from)