Translation guide
The English word 'pair' refers to two things that match or go together. In Japanese, the most common equivalent is ペア, but other words like 組, 対, and つがい are used depending on what kind of pair it is. This guide helps you choose the right word for people, objects, animals, and abstract pairs.
Referring to any two people or things that form a set, often used in casual or everyday contexts.
Loanword from English, widely used for pairs of people or things, especially in sports, games, or casual settings. It's the most versatile and natural choice for many 'pair' situations.
That pair works really well together.
These socks are sold as a pair.
Used for a set or pair, often implying a deliberate grouping or matching. Common for pairs in school, work, or organized activities.
Formal or literary term for a pair, often used for things that are naturally complementary or symmetrical, like a pair of scrolls or a couplet. Less common in daily speech.
Referring to two people in a romantic relationship.
Standard word for a romantic couple. Used for dating or married pairs.
Referring to a male and female animal that form a breeding pair.
The standard word for a mated pair of animals, especially birds. Also used for a pair of something like a hinge.
Referring to a set of two identical or complementary items meant to be used together.
In card games, a pair means two cards of the same value.
Used in poker and other card games to mean a pair.
Referring to two people who collaborate or are paired for a task.
ペア is the most common and casual. 組 is used for groups or sets formed intentionally, like pairs in class. 対 is formal and often used for art or symmetrical objects. For everyday pairs, stick with ペア or counters like 一足.
Please sit in pairs.
Please get into pairs.
This rice bowl and teacup are a pair.
This folding screen is displayed as a pair.
That couple is always together.
There were many couples in the park.
Specifically a married couple. Use this when the pair is husband and wife.
That married couple gets along very well.
Literally 'lovers', emphasizing the romantic relationship. More explicit than カップル.
The two of them are a couple (lovers).
A pair of cranes is building a nest.
Can also be used for animals, especially in casual or non-scientific contexts.
I keep a pair of fish in the aquarium.
Counter for pairs of footwear (shoes, socks, etc.). Use with the number of pairs.
I bought a pair of shoes.
These socks are 500 yen for two pairs.
Counter for sets, including pairs of things like gloves or chopsticks. More general than 一足.
Please give me a pair of gloves.
Formal counter for pairs of art objects, vases, etc. Not used for everyday items.
Display a pair of vases.
彼はエースのペアを持っている。
He has a pair of aces.
Specifically 'one pair' in poker hand rankings.
You can't win with just one pair.
Means partner or buddy, often used for police partners or close working duos. Implies a strong bond.
He's my partner (in work/crime).
Loanword for partner, used in business, dance, or life contexts. Less intimate than 相棒.
I'm looking for a dance partner.
Short for 'combination', used for a duo, especially in entertainment (comedy duos) or sports.
That comedy duo is funny.
Please discuss in pairs.
For body parts like eyes or ears, Japanese usually uses the plural form without a specific 'pair' word. For example, 'a pair of eyes' is simply 目 (め). Using ペアの目 sounds unnatural.
She has a beautiful pair of eyes.
They are a lovely couple.
The birds mate for life and stay in pairs.