Translation guide
The concept of equivalence in Japanese can be expressed through words meaning 'equal', 'equivalent', or 'same', as well as grammatical patterns for comparison. The most common and versatile term is 同等 (dōtō), used in formal and technical contexts. For everyday equivalence, 同じ (onaji) is more natural. Mathematical or logical equivalence uses 等価 (tōka) or 同値 (dōchi).
Expressing that two things are equal in worth, rank, or how they are treated.
Most direct translation for 'equivalence' in formal, legal, or technical contexts. Means 'equal', 'equivalent', or 'same level'. Often used with の or に.
この二つの資格は同等とみなされます。
These two qualifications are considered equivalent.
男女は同等の権利を持つべきだ。
Men and women should have equal rights.
Everyday word for 'same'. Less formal than 同等, but can express equivalence in casual contexts. Often used with くらい or ほど for degree.
この二つはほとんど同じ価値がある。
These two have almost the same value.
Verb/adjective meaning 'to be equal'. More formal than 同じ, used in mathematical or logical statements.
AはBに等しい。
A is equal to B.
Expressing that two statements, values, or sets are logically or mathematically equivalent.
Specifically means 'equivalence' in logic and mathematics. Used for logical equivalence of propositions.
これらの命題は同値である。
These propositions are equivalent.
Means 'equivalence' in terms of value, often used in mathematics, physics, or economics. Can also mean 'equivalent' in a broader sense.
Also used in mathematics for equivalence relations or equal sets, though less specific than 同値.
Expressing that a word or phrase has the same meaning in another language or context.
Used in translation studies for 'equivalence'. 等価翻訳 means 'equivalent translation'.
完全な等価翻訳は難しい。
Perfect equivalent translation is difficult.
Means 'corresponding' or 'equivalent'. Often used as ～に相当する to mean 'corresponds to' or 'is equivalent to'.
Referring to the abstract idea of equivalence.
Noun meaning 'equivalence' as a property or concept. Used in academic contexts.
この理論は等価性の原理に基づいている。
This theory is based on the principle of equivalence.
Similar to 等価性, but more about equality of status or treatment.
法の下の同等性が保証されている。
Equivalence under the law is guaranteed.
同等 is formal and often used in legal or official contexts. 同じ is casual and common. 等しい is more mathematical. For everyday 'equivalent', 同じくらい or 同じような is often more natural than 同等.
この二つは同じくらい難しい。
These two are about equally difficult.
Directly translating 'equivalence' as 等価 or 同等 in casual conversation can sound stiff. Often, rephrasing with 同じ or ～と同じくらい is more natural.
この二つの意味は同じだ。
These two have the same meaning.
This equation can be solved by equivalent transformation.
これらの集合は同等である。
These sets are equivalent.
この日本語の表現は英語の"equivalence"に相当する。
This Japanese expression corresponds to 'equivalence' in English.