Translation guide
This guide covers how to express equality in Japanese, including mathematical equality, being equal in ability or status, and being equivalent in value or meaning.
Expressing that two quantities or expressions are equal in a mathematical sense.
The standard pattern for mathematical equality. A and B are numbers or expressions.
2 + 2 は 4 に等しい。
2 + 2 is equal to 4.
Alternative pattern using と instead of に. Slightly less common but still correct.
x is equal to y.
Pattern where both items are marked with と and the predicate is 等しい.
三角形の内角の和と二直角は等しい。
The sum of the interior angles of a triangle is equal to two right angles.
Saying that someone or something is equal to another in terms of skill, rank, value, etc.
Means 'to be a match for', 'to rival'. Used for abilities, power, quality. Often used with に.
彼の才能はプロに匹敵する。
His talent is equal to that of a professional.
Literally 'not inferior', used to say something is equal or not worse than something else. Often に劣らない.
この製品は輸入品に劣らない品質だ。
This product has quality equal to imported goods.
Means 'equivalent', 'equal in status or value'. Often used in formal contexts.
両者の資格は同等だ。
The qualifications of both are equal.
Means 'evenly matched', used especially in competitions or fights.
試合は互角の戦いだった。
The match was an equal contest.
Expressing that two things are equivalent in worth, significance, or definition.
The most general word for 'equal'. Can be used for value, amount, meaning, etc. Often used with に or と.
1ドルは約110円に等しい。
One dollar is equal to about 110 yen.
Means 'the same'. More common in everyday speech than 等しい. Often used with と.
彼の意見は私のと同じだ。
His opinion is equal to (the same as) mine.
Means 'to correspond to', 'to be equivalent to'. Often used for amounts, positions, or roles.
この金額は日本円でいくらに相当しますか。
How much is this amount equal to in Japanese yen?
Expressing that someone is capable of handling a task or situation.
Means 'able to withstand', 'equal to the demands of'. Used for challenges, hardships, responsibilities.
彼はその重圧に耐えうる人物だ。
He is a person equal to the pressure.
Similar to 耐えうる but more literary. Means 'to be worthy of', 'to be equal to' (a task, honor, etc.).
その仕事は彼が堪えるに足るものだった。
The job was something he was equal to.
Means 'able to meet/respond to' (expectations, demands). Implies being equal to the task.
彼は期待に応えられるだろう。
He will be equal to the expectations.
等しい (ひとしい) is more formal and often used in mathematical or logical contexts. 同じ (おなじ) is the everyday word for 'same' and can often replace 等しい in casual speech, but 同じ implies identity while 等しい implies equivalence in value or quantity.
AはBに等しいが、Cと同じではない。
A is equal to B, but not the same as C.
While イコール (from English 'equal') is used in Japanese, it is mainly a noun meaning 'equal sign' or used in compounds. Saying 'AはBとイコールだ' is not natural; use 等しい or 同じ instead.
AはBに等しい。
A equals B.