Translation guide
The idea of responding to an action with an equivalent action, especially in retaliation or reciprocal exchange. In Japanese, this is often expressed through set phrases, proverbs, or descriptive verbs rather than a single direct equivalent.
Expressing the idea of giving back what one received, especially in a negative sense (revenge, getting even).
A common colloquial phrase meaning 'if someone does something to you, do it back to them.' It captures the retaliatory spirit of 'tit for tat' in everyday situations.
あいつに悪口を言われたから、やられたらやり返すつもりだ。
He badmouthed me, so I'm going to give him a taste of his own medicine.
The biblical 'an eye for an eye, a tooth for a tooth.' Used to express strict retaliation or proportional revenge. It can sound harsh or old-fashioned.
彼は「目には目を、歯には歯を」と言って復讐を誓った。
He swore revenge, saying 'an eye for an eye, a tooth for a tooth.'
A noun meaning 'payback' or 'retaliation.' Often used in the phrase 仕返しをする (to get revenge). It implies a deliberate act of getting even.
彼に騙されたので、仕返しをしてやった。
He tricked me, so I got back at him.
A formal noun meaning 'retaliation' or 'reprisal.' Used in serious contexts like politics, war, or legal matters.
その国は敵の攻撃に対して報復措置を取った。
The country took retaliatory measures against the enemy's attack.
Describing a situation where actions are exchanged in a balanced, often cooperative way, like favors or gifts.
A polite noun meaning 'return gift' or 'something given in return.' It can be used for both positive reciprocity (returning a favor) and, in some contexts, retaliation, but it's primarily for social exchanges.
バレンタインデーにチョコをもらったので、ホワイトデーにお返しをあげた。
I got chocolate on Valentine's Day, so I gave a return gift on White Day.
A formal term meaning 'reciprocity' or 'mutualism,' often used in diplomatic or economic contexts.
Referring to the 'tit for tat' strategy in game theory, where a player cooperates on the first move and then mirrors the opponent's previous move.
The standard translation for the 'tit for tat' strategy in game theory. しっぺ返し means 'immediate retaliation' or 'payback.'
囚人のジレンマでは、しっぺ返し戦略が有効なことが多い。
In the prisoner's dilemma, the tit-for-tat strategy is often effective.
The direct loanword from English, used in academic or technical discussions.
アクセルロッドの実験では、ティット・フォー・タット戦略が最も高いスコアを獲得した。
In Axelrod's experiment, the tit-for-tat strategy achieved the highest score.
There is no single Japanese word that directly translates 'tit for tat' in all contexts. Using a literal translation like '乳には乳' would be nonsensical. Choose the expression based on whether you mean retaliation, reciprocal exchange, or the game theory strategy.
やられたらやり返す is a casual, everyday phrase for getting even. 目には目を is a more formal, proverbial expression that can sound extreme or biblical. Use the former in conversation, the latter in serious discussions about justice or revenge.
A set phrase meaning 'give and take' or 'mutual support.' It describes a relationship where people help each other reciprocally, not necessarily in a tit-for-tat accounting way but in a balanced, ongoing manner.
ビジネスは持ちつ持たれつだから、お互いに助け合おう。
Business is give and take, so let's help each other.
貿易交渉では相互主義が重要な原則だ。
In trade negotiations, reciprocity is an important principle.