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.
1メートルは100センチメートルに等しい。
One meter is equal to 100 centimeters.
彼の給料は私のと等しい。
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.
この二つの箱は同じ大きさです。
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.
この結果は失敗とイコールだ。
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.
すべての人は平等に扱われるべきだ。
All people should be treated equally.
男女平等は重要な問題です。
Gender equality is an important issue.
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.
彼の意見は拒否に等しい。
His opinion is equal to a refusal.
A more colloquial way to say 'is the same as' or 'equals'. Often used in daily conversation.
この料理はあの店のと同じだ。
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.
彼の才能はプロに匹敵する。
His talent is equal to that of a professional.
Referring to someone or something that is equal to another.
A noun meaning 'equivalence' or 'equal'. Often used in phrases like 同等のもの (something equal).
彼は私の同等ではない。
He is not my equal.
Used as a noun to mean 'equal' in status, often in the phrase 対等の関係 (equal relationship).
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.
すべての人間は平等に創られている。
All men are created equal.
Famous phrase from the US Declaration of Independence, often translated with 平等.
2足す2は4です。
Two plus two equals four.
In math, the verb 'equals' is usually expressed with は or が, not 等しい.
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.