Translation guide
The English phrase 'close match' refers to a situation where two things are very similar, nearly equal, or a tight contest. This guide covers how to express this concept naturally in Japanese.
Describing a sports match, game, or competition where the opponents are evenly matched and the outcome is decided by a small margin.
A noun meaning a close contest or tight game. Often used with する to mean 'to have a close game'.
Yesterday's game was a close match.
The two teams are evenly matched, so a close game is expected.
Literally 'an even match'. Used when the competitors are equally skilled.
The final was a close match.
A noun meaning a narrow margin or slim difference. Often used in contexts like 'won by a narrow margin'.
The election was decided by a close margin.
An emphatic version of 接戦, meaning a very close or fierce contest.
After a very close match, the game ended in a draw.
Saying that two objects, ideas, or results are almost the same, with only minor differences.
A common and natural way to say 'almost the same'. Suitable for everyday conversation.
These two colors are a close match.
Literally 'like two halves of a melon', meaning identical or spitting image. Stronger than 'close match', but used for people or things that look exactly alike.
Describing a situation where data, descriptions, or characteristics correspond closely.
接戦 emphasizes the tightness of the contest itself, while 互角 focuses on the equality of ability. Use 接戦 for describing a game, and 互角 for stating that the players are evenly matched.
The game was close.
Their abilities are equal.
An idiomatic expression meaning 'much the same' or 'there's little difference'. Often used when comparing options that are equally good or bad.
All the candidates are a close match; there's not much difference.
彼女は母親と瓜二つだ。
She is a close match to her mother (looks exactly like her).
This curve is a close match to the theoretical value.