Translation guide
The concept of equivalence in Japanese can be expressed through words meaning 'equal', 'equivalent', or 'same', as well as grammatical patterns for comparison. The most common and versatile term is 同等 (dōtō), used in formal and technical contexts. For everyday equivalence, 同じ (onaji) is more natural. Mathematical or logical equivalence uses 等価 (tōka) or 同値 (dōchi).
Expressing that two things are equal in worth, rank, or how they are treated.
Most direct translation for 'equivalence' in formal, legal, or technical contexts. Means 'equal', 'equivalent', or 'same level'. Often used with の or に.
These two qualifications are considered equivalent.
Men and women should have equal rights.
Everyday word for 'same'. Less formal than 同等, but can express equivalence in casual contexts. Often used with くらい or ほど for degree.
These two have almost the same value.
Verb/adjective meaning 'to be equal'. More formal than 同じ, used in mathematical or logical statements.
A is equal to B.
Expressing that two statements, values, or sets are logically or mathematically equivalent.
Specifically means 'equivalence' in logic and mathematics. Used for logical equivalence of propositions.
These propositions are equivalent.
Means 'equivalence' in terms of value, often used in mathematics, physics, or economics. Can also mean 'equivalent' in a broader sense.
Also used in mathematics for equivalence relations or equal sets, though less specific than 同値.
Expressing that a word or phrase has the same meaning in another language or context.
Used in translation studies for 'equivalence'. 等価翻訳 means 'equivalent translation'.
Perfect equivalent translation is difficult.
Means 'corresponding' or 'equivalent'. Often used as ～に相当する to mean 'corresponds to' or 'is equivalent to'.
Referring to the abstract idea of equivalence.
同等 is formal and often used in legal or official contexts. 同じ is casual and common. 等しい is more mathematical. For everyday 'equivalent', 同じくらい or 同じような is often more natural than 同等.
These two are about equally difficult.
Directly translating 'equivalence' as 等価 or 同等 in casual conversation can sound stiff. Often, rephrasing with 同じ or ～と同じくらい is more natural.
These two have the same meaning.
この方程式は等価変換によって解ける。
This equation can be solved by equivalent transformation.
これらの集合は同等である。
These sets are equivalent.
この日本語の表現は英語の"equivalence"に相当する。
This Japanese expression corresponds to 'equivalence' in English.