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.
彼はテニスでは兄にはかなわない。
He is no match for his older brother in tennis.
経験では彼女にはかなわない。
I'm no match for her when it comes to experience.
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.
自然の力には人間はかなわない。
Humans are no match for the forces of nature.
この車はスピードではあの車にはかなわない。
This car is no match for that one in speed.
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.
私の料理は母のには及びません。
My cooking is no match for my mother's.
「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.
Literally 'not an enemy of', meaning 'is no match for'. Slightly more emphatic or dramatic.
彼は私の敵ではない。
He is no match for me.
Means 'cannot cross swords with', i.e., cannot compete. Often used in business or sports.
価格ではあの会社には太刀打ちできない。
We are no match for that company in terms of pricing.
Literally 'teeth don't stand up', meaning completely unable to deal with or overcome something.
この問題には歯が立たない。
I'm no match for this problem.
Very emphatic: 'can't even come close to'. Literally 'doesn't even reach the feet of'.
この映画は原作に比べると足元にも及ばない。
This movie is no match for the original work.