Translation guide
How to express that things or people go well together, are a good match, or work without problems in Japanese.
Describing that two things work together without issues, such as devices, software, or formats.
The standard technical term for compatibility between systems, devices, or formats. Often used in computing and engineering.
このソフトウェアはWindowsとの互換性があります。
This software is compatible with Windows.
Means 'support' or 'compatibility' in the sense that a device or system can handle a certain format or standard. Often used as ～に対応している.
このプリンターはWi-Fiに対応しています。
This printer is compatible with Wi-Fi.
A casual, non-technical way to say that something can be used together with something else.
このケーブルはiPhoneと一緒に使えますか？
Is this cable compatible with the iPhone?
Describing how well two people get along, share interests, or have good chemistry.
The most common word for personal chemistry or compatibility between people. Can also be used for things like food pairings or pet-owner matches.
彼とは相性がいいと思う。
I think I have good chemistry with him.
あの二人は相性が悪いみたいだね。
Those two don't seem to get along well.
Literally 'spirits match', meaning you hit it off or share similar feelings/interests. Used for friendships and casual relationships.
An idiomatic expression meaning to get along well, literally 'horses match'. Slightly old-fashioned but still used.
Specifically referring to whether a couple is well-suited for a relationship or marriage.
Also used for romantic compatibility. Often appears in phrases like 相性占い (compatibility fortune-telling).
血液型で相性を判断するのは科学的じゃない。
Judging romantic compatibility by blood type isn't scientific.
A straightforward way to say someone is suitable as a marriage partner.
彼は結婚相手として合っていると思う？
Do you think he's compatible as a marriage partner?
Describing alignment or consistency between abstract things like opinions, policies, or objectives.
Means consistency or coherence. Used when ideas, data, or arguments are compatible and don't contradict each other.
彼の主張には整合性がない。
His arguments lack consistency.
Literally 'not contradictory'. A simple way to say that two things are compatible in the sense of not conflicting.
この二つの方針は矛盾しない。
These two policies are compatible (don't contradict each other).
In Japan, blood types are often believed to influence personality and compatibility. This meaning is culturally specific.
The standard phrase for blood type compatibility, often used in casual conversation and dating contexts.
A型とO型の相性はいいらしいよ。
Apparently, blood type A and O are compatible.
互換性 is strictly for technical/functional compatibility (machines, software). 相性 is for personal chemistry or natural affinity between people, animals, or even food/drink pairings. Don't use 互換性 for human relationships.
このアプリはAndroidとの互換性がない。
This app is not compatible with Android.
犬と猫の相性は必ずしも悪くない。
Dogs and cats aren't necessarily incompatible.
In everyday conversation about people, using 互換性 would sound robotic. Stick to 相性 or phrases like 気が合う. For things, 対応している or 一緒に使える are more natural than the technical term unless you're in a tech context.
I get along well with her.
彼とは馬が合う。
He and I get along like a house on fire.