Translation guide
The English word 'pairing' can refer to matching two things together, forming a couple, or connecting devices. This guide covers natural Japanese expressions for each meaning.
To express the act of putting two things together as a set, often for complementary purposes like food and drink, or people working together.
The most common and versatile noun for 'combination' or 'pairing'. Used for food, colors, people, etc.
ワインとチーズの組み合わせは最高だ。
The pairing of wine and cheese is excellent.
この色の組み合わせは美しい。
This color pairing is beautiful.
Loanword from English, often used in contexts like food/drink pairing, device pairing (Bluetooth), or matching people. Sounds slightly more technical or trendy.
ソムリエが料理に合うワインのペアリングを提案してくれた。
The sommelier suggested a wine pairing to go with the dish.
A more formal or literary term for 'combination' or 'assortment', often used in arts, crafts, or traditional contexts.
茶碗と茶筅の取り合わせが絶妙だ。
The pairing of the tea bowl and whisk is exquisite.
To describe two people becoming a couple, or the act of matching people romantically.
Literally 'couple formation', used in contexts like dating shows or matchmaking when a pair becomes a couple.
番組で三組のカップル成立があった。
There were three pairings on the show.
Casual phrase meaning 'to pair up two people' or 'to get them together'. Often used by friends or in lighthearted contexts.
あの二人をくっつけようとしている。
I'm trying to pair those two up.
Means 'well-matched' or 'looking good together'. Used to comment on a couple's compatibility rather than the act of pairing.
あの二人は本当にお似合いだ。
Those two are a perfect pairing.
To describe the technical process of linking two electronic devices.
The standard term for Bluetooth pairing. Used as a noun or suru-verb.
スマホとイヤホンのペアリングが完了しました。
The pairing of the smartphone and earphones is complete.
デバイスをペアリングするには、ボタンを長押ししてください。
To pair the device, press and hold the button.
General verb for 'connect'. Can be used for pairing, but less specific. Often used in instructions.
Bluetoothでスピーカーに接続してください。
Please connect to the speaker via Bluetooth.
To refer to the combination of players in a doubles match or team event.
Loanword meaning 'pair', commonly used in sports like tennis, badminton, or figure skating.
混合ダブルスのペアが発表された。
The mixed doubles pairing was announced.
Short for 'combination', used for duos in comedy, sports, or work partners. Emphasizes teamwork.
English 'pairing' in a romantic sense is not directly translated as ペアリング, which sounds like device pairing. Use context-appropriate phrases like カップル成立 or くっつける.
That pairing works perfectly together.