Translation guide
The English word "equal" can be an adjective, verb, or noun. This guide covers the most common ways to express these meanings in Japanese, focusing on natural usage for learners.
Expressing that two or more things are the same in quantity, value, rank, or status.
The most direct adjective meaning 'equal' or 'equivalent'. Used for mathematical equality, value, or abstract equivalence.
One meter is equal to 100 centimeters.
His salary is equal to mine.
Means 'same' and is more common in everyday speech than 等しい. Often used when things are identical or of the same kind.
These two boxes are equal in size.
Loanword from English, used in casual or technical contexts, often in the phrase ～とイコールだ.
This result is equal to failure.
Describing fairness, equality of treatment, or equal rights.
A noun or na-adjective meaning 'equality' or 'equal' in terms of fairness and rights. Often used in social contexts.
All people should be treated equally.
Means 'equal' in status or standing, often used for relationships or partnerships.
Expressing that one thing equals another in value, amount, or result.
The standard way to say 'is equal to' using the adjective 等しい. Use with に particle.
His opinion is equal to a refusal.
A more colloquial way to say 'is the same as' or 'equals'. Often used in daily conversation.
This dish is equal to the one at that restaurant.
Means 'to rival' or 'to be equal to' in ability or quality. Often used in formal or written contexts.
His talent is equal to that of a professional.
Referring to someone or something that is equal to another.
等しい (hitoshii) is more formal and often used for mathematical or abstract equality. 同じ (onaji) is more common in everyday speech and implies sameness rather than strict equivalence. Use 同じ for most casual situations.
English often uses 'equal' as a verb (e.g., 'Two plus two equals four'). In Japanese, you cannot directly verbify 等しい. Instead, use patterns like ～に等しい or ～と同じだ. For mathematical equations, ～は～です is also natural.
All men are created equal.
Famous phrase from the US Declaration of Independence, often translated with 平等.
Two plus two equals four.
In math, the verb 'equals' is usually expressed with は or が, not 等しい.
Gender equality is an important issue.
彼らは対等な立場で話し合った。
They discussed as equals.
私たちは対等の関係を築きたい。
We want to build an equal relationship.