Translation guide
The English phrase 'set against' has several distinct meanings: to compare or contrast, to offset or balance, to make someone oppose, and to place something against a background. This guide covers natural Japanese expressions for each use.
To compare two things, often to highlight differences or evaluate them relative to each other.
General pattern for comparing A with B. Use と to mark the thing being compared against.
When you set this year's sales against last year's, they are slightly down.
More formal than 比べる. Often used in written or analytical contexts.
We set the cost of the new system against that of the old system.
To check or evaluate A against a standard or reference B. Implies careful scrutiny.
We will set applicants' qualifications against the requirements and make selections.
To use one thing to counterbalance or compensate for another, often financially.
To offset A with B. Commonly used in accounting and business contexts.
We were able to set the losses against the profits.
To make up for A with B. More general than 相殺, can be used for non-financial compensation.
To deduct or net B from A. Used in calculations.
To cause someone to be hostile or opposed to another person or thing.
To make A antagonistic toward B. Strong and direct.
His words set my friend against me.
To make A oppose B. Slightly less intense than 敵対させる.
To drive a wedge between A and B, causing them to become estranged or opposed.
The rumor set the two against each other.
To position something so that it is seen or contrasted with a background.
To place A against the background of B. Neutral and descriptive.
I photographed the white vase set against a dark wall.
To make A stand out against B. Emphasizes visual contrast.
The red dress was set against the green forest.
To make A stand out vividly against B. Often used in artistic contexts.
The sunset was set against the mountain range.
Do not directly translate 'set against' as セットする or 置く unless you are physically placing something. The meaning depends heavily on context.
I set my lateness against overtime work.
Set expenses against income to calculate net profit.
The policy set the people against the government.