Translation guide
Expresses that two things are the same in value, amount, status, or quality. In Japanese, this is most commonly expressed with the particle と (to) after a noun, or with the adjective 等しい (hitoshii). The choice depends on the grammatical structure and formality.
To state that one quantity, number, or value is the same as another.
The most direct and formal way to say 'A equals B' or 'A is equal to B'. Used in mathematical, scientific, or formal contexts. A and B are nouns or numbers.
One meter is equal to 100 centimeters.
His salary is equal to mine.
A more common and versatile way to say 'A is the same as B'. Used in everyday conversation. '同じ' (onaji) means 'same'. The copula 'だ' can be replaced with 'です' for politeness.
This length is equal to that length.
His height is equal to my height.
Uses the loanword 'イコール' (ikōru) from English 'equal'. Common in casual speech, especially when emphasizing exact equality. Often used with numbers or simple concepts.
This answer is equal to 5.
To express that two people or things are on the same level in terms of ability, rank, or characteristics.
Means 'A is equivalent to B' or 'on par with B'. Used for comparing status, quality, or ability. More formal than 同じ.
His ability is equal to that of a professional.
A verb meaning 'to rival' or 'to be equal to'. Often used when something is surprisingly good or comparable to a high standard. Implies a sense of matching or competing.
This product is equal to famous overseas brands.
A noun meaning 'evenly matched' or 'equal in strength'. Commonly used in competitive contexts like sports or games. Often used in the pattern 'Aと互角だ'.
To express equality in a mathematical sense, often using symbols or specific terms.
The standard way to read 'A = B' aloud in Japanese. Used in math classes and everyday calculations. The loanword 'イコール' functions as a noun.
x equals 5.
A more formal or written way to express mathematical equality. The particle と is used instead of に, which is also acceptable but slightly less common in strict math contexts.
The sum of the interior angles of a triangle is equal to 180 degrees.
等しい (hitoshii) is an adjective meaning 'equal' and is used in formal, mathematical, or abstract contexts. 同じ (onaji) is also an adjective but means 'same' and is much more common in daily conversation. 同じ can be used for identity, similarity, or equality, while 等しい strictly means equality in value/amount.
These two are the same.
The values of these two are equal.
When you mean 'the same person' or 'the same object', use 同じ (onaji), not 等しい. 等しい implies a comparison of measurable attributes.
He goes to the same school as me.
One plus one equals two.
His strength is equal to that of a bear.
両チームの力は互角だ。
The two teams are equal in strength.