Translation guide
The English word 'pair' refers to two things that match or go together. In Japanese, the most common equivalent is ペア, but other words like 組, 対, and つがい are used depending on what kind of pair it is. This guide helps you choose the right word for people, objects, animals, and abstract pairs.
Referring to any two people or things that form a set, often used in casual or everyday contexts.
Loanword from English, widely used for pairs of people or things, especially in sports, games, or casual settings. It's the most versatile and natural choice for many 'pair' situations.
あのペアは息がぴったりだね。
That pair works really well together.
この靴下はペアで売っています。
These socks are sold as a pair.
Used for a set or pair, often implying a deliberate grouping or matching. Common for pairs in school, work, or organized activities.
二人一組になってください。
Please get into pairs.
この茶碗と湯呑みは一組です。
This rice bowl and teacup are a pair.
Formal or literary term for a pair, often used for things that are naturally complementary or symmetrical, like a pair of scrolls or a couplet. Less common in daily speech.
この屏風は一対で飾ります。
This folding screen is displayed as a pair.
Referring to two people in a romantic relationship.
Standard word for a romantic couple. Used for dating or married pairs.
あのカップルはいつも一緒にいる。
That couple is always together.
公園にたくさんのカップルがいた。
There were many couples in the park.
Specifically a married couple. Use this when the pair is husband and wife.
Referring to a male and female animal that form a breeding pair.
The standard word for a mated pair of animals, especially birds. Also used for a pair of something like a hinge.
つがいの鶴が巣を作っている。
A pair of cranes is building a nest.
Can also be used for animals, especially in casual or non-scientific contexts.
水槽でペアの魚を飼っている。
I keep a pair of fish in the aquarium.
Referring to a set of two identical or complementary items meant to be used together.
Counter for pairs of footwear (shoes, socks, etc.). Use with the number of pairs.
靴を一足買った。
I bought a pair of shoes.
この靴下は二足で五百円です。
These socks are 500 yen for two pairs.
Counter for sets, including pairs of things like gloves or chopsticks. More general than 一足.
Formal counter for pairs of art objects, vases, etc. Not used for everyday items.
花瓶を一対飾る。
Display a pair of vases.
In card games, a pair means two cards of the same value.
Used in poker and other card games to mean a pair.
彼はエースのペアを持っている。
He has a pair of aces.
Specifically 'one pair' in poker hand rankings.
ワンペアでは勝てない。
You can't win with just one pair.
Referring to two people who collaborate or are paired for a task.
Means partner or buddy, often used for police partners or close working duos. Implies a strong bond.
彼は私の相棒です。
He's my partner (in work/crime).
Loanword for partner, used in business, dance, or life contexts. Less intimate than 相棒.
Short for 'combination', used for a duo, especially in entertainment (comedy duos) or sports.
あのコンビは面白い。
That comedy duo is funny.
ペア is the most common and casual. 組 is used for groups or sets formed intentionally, like pairs in class. 対 is formal and often used for art or symmetrical objects. For everyday pairs, stick with ペア or counters like 一足.
ペアで座ってください。
Please sit in pairs.
二人一組で話し合ってください。
Please discuss in pairs.
For body parts like eyes or ears, Japanese usually uses the plural form without a specific 'pair' word. For example, 'a pair of eyes' is simply 目 (め). Using ペアの目 sounds unnatural.
彼女は美しい目をしている。
She has a beautiful pair of eyes.
素敵なカップルですね。
They are a lovely couple.
その鳥は一生つがいでいる。
The birds mate for life and stay in pairs.
That married couple gets along very well.
Literally 'lovers', emphasizing the romantic relationship. More explicit than カップル.
二人は恋人同士です。
The two of them are a couple (lovers).
Please give me a pair of gloves.
I'm looking for a dance partner.