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相半ばする (あいなかばする) Japanese meaning | Kotomora
Meanings 1
suru verb (special), intransitive verb
be roughly equal ; balance out ; cancel each other out
Used when two opposing forces, numbers, or qualities are approximately equal, so that neither side dominates. Often appears in formal or written contexts.
両りょう
チーム
の
実じつ
力りょく
は
相あい
半なか
ば
し
て
いる
。
The abilities of the two teams are about evenly matched.
Kanji 相 inter-, mutual, together 半 half, middle, odd number Similar words 互ご 角かく 互角 is a noun or na-adjective meaning 'evenly matched' and is more common in everyday speech. 相半ばする is a formal suru verb used mainly in written language.
拮きっ 抗こう 拮抗する also means 'to be evenly matched' but emphasizes a close contest or rivalry. 相半ばする focuses on the state of being roughly equal in degree or number.
Etymology From 相 (あい, 'mutual') + 半ば (なかば, 'half'), literally 'to be half-and-half with each other'. The exact historical derivation is uncertain, but the expression has been used since classical Japanese.
