Translation guide
This English phrase has two main uses: (1) being equal to someone in ability or strength, often in competition or fighting; (2) being well-suited or compatible with someone or something, especially in relationships or pairings. Japanese expresses these ideas with different words and patterns.
Express that someone or something is as good, strong, or capable as another, often in a contest or confrontation.
A formal and common way to say 'is a match for' in terms of ability, power, or quality. Used for both people and things.
彼の実力はプロに匹敵する。
His skill is a match for a professional's.
この新製品はライバル社の製品に匹敵する性能だ。
This new product has performance that is a match for our rival's product.
Express that two people or things go well together, are a good fit, or are compatible.
The most natural way to say people or things are a good match in terms of compatibility. Used for romantic partners, friends, or even objects like food and drink.
彼とは相性がいいと思う。
I think he and I are a good match.
匹敵する is more formal and objective, often used in written comparisons of ability or quality. 敵う is more common in negative sentences and can be used in casual speech. 敵う in affirmative is rare and sounds literary.
彼の才能は天才に匹敵する。
His talent rivals that of a genius.
彼には敵わないよ。
I'm no match for him.
Do not translate 'be a match for' literally as マッチである or similar. It will not be understood. Use the phrases above depending on the intended meaning.
Often used in negative form to mean 'cannot match' or 'is no match for'. In affirmative, it's less common but still means 'to be equal to'.
彼には誰も敵わない。
No one is a match for him.
英語では彼に敵う者はいない。
In English, there is no one who is a match for him.
Means 'to be evenly matched' or 'on equal footing'. Often used in sports or games.
両チームは互角の戦いをした。
The two teams were a match for each other.
彼と私はチェスでは互角だ。
He and I are evenly matched in chess.
Literally 'does not take a back seat to', meaning 'is not inferior to' or 'is a match for'. Often used in comparisons of quality.
この車は高級車に引けを取らない乗り心地だ。
This car's ride comfort is a match for luxury cars.
This wine is a good match for cheese.
Means 'is perfect for' or 'is exactly right for'. Emphasizes a perfect fit rather than just compatibility.
この仕事は彼にぴったりだ。
This job is a perfect match for him.
そのドレスは彼女にぴったりだった。
That dress was a perfect match for her.
Often used for couples, meaning they look good together or are well-matched. Can sound a bit old-fashioned or formal.
あの二人はお似合いだね。
Those two are a good match, aren't they?