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好敵手 (こうてきしゅ) Japanese meaning | Kotomora
Freq. Frequency Top 100,000 Meanings 1
noun
worthy opponent ; worthy rival ; good match
Refers to a competitor or adversary who is respected and considered a good match, often in sports, games, or professional rivalries. Carries a positive, respectful tone.
こう
敵てき
手しゅ
と
し
て
知し
ら
れ
て
いる
。
The two teams are known as long-time worthy rivals.
Kanji 好 fond, pleasing, like something Similar words ライバル ライバル is a more common, general term for 'rival', while 好敵手 emphasizes respect and the quality of being a good match.
敵てき 敵 simply means 'enemy' or 'opponent' without the positive connotation of respect or worthiness.
Etymology Compound of 好 (good, favorable) and 敵手 (opponent, rival). The exact historical derivation is uncertain, but the word is conventionally associated with a respected adversary.
