Translation guide
Expresses that someone or something is vastly inferior or unable to compete with another. Japanese uses various phrases depending on whether the comparison is about skill, strength, or general ability.
To say that someone is not as good as another person in a skill, game, or competition.
A common phrase meaning 'cannot match/compete with'. Used for skills, abilities, or personal qualities. The particle に marks the opponent.
彼の英語力にはかなわない。
I'm no match for his English ability.
チェスでは彼女にかなわない。
I'm no match for her at chess.
Literally 'cannot even reach the feet of', meaning far inferior. Stronger and more emphatic than かなわない.
彼の演奏はプロの足元にも及ばない。
His performance is no match for a professional's.
Literally 'cannot cross swords with', meaning unable to compete or fight against. Often used in competitive contexts.
あのチームには太刀打ちできない。
We're no match for that team.
To say that someone or something is completely overpowered by a much stronger opponent or force.
Same as かなわない but often used for physical strength, natural forces, or overwhelming power. The kanji 敵 emphasizes 'enemy/opponent'.
自然の力には敵わない。
We are no match for the power of nature.
あの大男には敵わないよ。
I'm no match for that giant guy.
Means 'not even a worthy opponent'. Implies the difference is so great that it's not a contest.
彼は強すぎて、僕の相手にならない。
He's too strong; I'm no match for him.
To say that something is vastly inferior in quality, scale, or degree.
Literally 'cannot be compared with'. Used for quality, size, intensity, etc. Often used with ほど to emphasize the gap.
この店のラーメンはあの店とは比べ物にならないほど美味しい。
This shop's ramen is so good it's no match for that other place.
A more concise, slightly formal way to say 'is no comparison'. Often used in written language.
今回の地震は前回の比ではない。
This earthquake is no match for the last one (in scale).
Both read かなわない. かなわない (often in kana) is general 'cannot match', while 敵わない (with kanji) emphasizes an opponent or adversarial relationship. In many contexts they are interchangeable.
Do not translate 'no match for' literally as マッチがない or similar. Use the phrases above depending on context.