Translation guide
This guide explains how to express that one thing is equivalent to another in Japanese, covering mathematical equality, practical equivalence, and approximate equivalence.
Expressing that two quantities, values, or expressions are exactly equal, as in mathematics or formal logic.
The standard pattern for stating that A equals B. Used in mathematical and formal contexts.
2+2は4に等しい。
2+2 is equal to 4.
An alternative pattern emphasizing that A and B are equal. Slightly more formal.
xとyは等しい。
x and y are equal.
Loanword from English 'equal', used in casual or spoken contexts, often as a noun or with だ.
この二つはイコールだ。
These two are equal.
Expressing that one thing is essentially the same as another in effect, value, or meaning, without strict mathematical equality.
Means 'A corresponds to B' or 'A is equivalent to B' in terms of role, value, or function. Common in explanations.
この金額は日本円で約1万円に相当します。
This amount is equivalent to about 10,000 yen.
Simply means 'A is the same as B'. Very common and versatile, but can be too broad if precise equivalence is needed.
この表現はあの表現と同じだ。
This expression is equivalent to that expression.
Means 'A rivals B' or 'A is comparable to B', often used for quality, ability, or value. Implies high equivalence.
彼の実力はプロに匹敵する。
His skill is equivalent to that of a professional.
Expressing that something is roughly or more or less equivalent, often with a degree of approximation.
Adds ほぼ (almost) to the equality pattern, meaning 'A is almost equal to B'.
この二つの値はほぼ等しい。
These two values are almost equivalent.
Means 'A is almost the same as B'. Casual and widely used.
この料理はあの料理とほぼ同じだ。
This dish is roughly equivalent to that dish.
等しい (ひとしい) is more formal and often used in mathematical or logical contexts, while 同じ (おなじ) is the everyday word for 'same'. For strict equivalence, 等しい is preferred; for general sameness, 同じ is natural.
数学では「等しい」を使う。
In mathematics, we use 'hitoshii'.
日常会話では「同じ」で十分だ。
In daily conversation, 'onaji' is sufficient.
Avoid directly translating 'be equivalent to' as 同等である (どうとうである) in casual speech; it sounds stiff. Use に相当する or と同じだ for natural expression.
この仕事は彼の能力に相当する。
This job is equivalent to his abilities. (natural)
This job is equivalent to his abilities. (natural)