Translation guide
Expresses that someone or something is not equal to another in ability, quality, or strength. Often used in competitive or comparative contexts.
To say that a person is not as capable, talented, or strong as another person.
A common pattern meaning 'cannot compete with' or 'is no match for'. Attach to a noun or person.
He is no match for his older brother in tennis.
I'm no match for her when it comes to experience.
Literally 'not an enemy of', meaning 'is no match for'. Slightly more emphatic or dramatic.
He is no match for me.
Means 'cannot cross swords with', i.e., cannot compete. Often used in business or sports.
We are no match for that company in terms of pricing.
To say that something (a force, machine, team, etc.) is inferior in power or effectiveness.
Same pattern as above, but used with inanimate subjects or forces.
Humans are no match for the forces of nature.
This car is no match for that one in speed.
Literally 'teeth don't stand up', meaning completely unable to deal with or overcome something.
To say that something is vastly inferior in quality, taste, experience, etc.
Means 'does not reach the level of'. Formal and often used in humble expressions.
My cooking is no match for my mother's.
Very emphatic: 'can't even come close to'. Literally 'doesn't even reach the feet of'.
「かなわない」 is the most versatile and common for 'no match for' in competitive contexts. 「敵ではない」 is more confrontational. 「及ばない」 is often used for quality or skill levels and can be humble.
Do not translate 'no match for' literally as 「マッチがない」. Use the patterns above.
I'm no match for this problem.
This movie is no match for the original work.