Translation guide
The English word "match" has several distinct meanings. This guide covers the most common ones for learners: a sports game or contest, something that corresponds or goes well with another, a small stick for starting fire, and a romantic partner. Each meaning uses different Japanese words and patterns.
Referring to an organized sports event or competition between individuals or teams.
The most common and general word for a sports match, game, or bout. Used for almost any competitive event.
明日サッカーの試合があります。
There's a soccer match tomorrow.
彼は試合に勝った。
He won the match.
Literally 'battle' or 'fight'. Can be used for a match in a dramatic or intense context, especially in martial arts or when emphasizing struggle.
これは最後の戦いだ。
This is the final match.
Refers to a match-up or contest between two specific opponents. Often used in schedules or descriptions of who is playing whom.
次の対戦は日本対ブラジルです。
The next match is Japan versus Brazil.
When two things go well together, are the same, or correspond to each other.
Means agreement, correspondence, or matching exactly. Used for facts, opinions, data, etc.
彼の話は証拠と一致している。
His story matches the evidence.
結果が予想と一致しなかった。
The results didn't match expectations.
A versatile verb meaning to fit, suit, or match. Used for clothes, colors, schedules, personalities, etc.
このシャツはそのパンツに合う。
This shirt matches those pants.
Loanword from English, used as a verb. Common in casual contexts, especially for style, design, or compatibility.
その靴はドレスにマッチしてるね。
Those shoes match the dress.
Means to balance or be well-matched, often in terms of status, ability, or appearance. Implies a harmonious pairing.
A thin piece of wood or cardboard with a combustible tip, used to start a fire.
The standard loanword for a matchstick. Used in everyday speech.
マッチでろうそくに火をつけた。
I lit the candle with a match.
マッチを擦る。
Strike a match.
Ateji (kanji assigned phonetically) for match. Rarely used; almost always written in katakana.
燐寸で火をつける。
Light a fire with a match.
A person considered suitable for a romantic relationship, often in the context of arranged meetings or dating.
General word for partner, companion, or opponent. In romantic contexts, it means the person one is dating or matched with.
いい相手が見つかった。
I found a good match (partner).
Specifically a partner introduced through a formal arranged meeting (omiai).
お見合い相手と結婚した。
I married my arranged match.
Used in the context of dating apps or matching services. A modern term.
アプリでマッチング相手と会った。
I met my match from the app.
試合 is the neutral, everyday word for a sports match. 戦い emphasizes a battle-like struggle and is more dramatic. 対戦 focuses on the pairing of opponents and is common in tournament brackets or video games.
Although マッチ is a loanword, it is not used for sports matches in Japanese. Use 試合 instead. マッチ is only for fire-starting sticks or the verb 'to match' in style/design.
合う is very flexible. You can say 気が合う (get along well), 話が合う (have a good conversation), or 都合が合う (schedules match). It's a key word for expressing harmony.
Let's meet if our schedules match.
They are a well-matched couple.