伯仲
伯仲する · noun or participle which takes 'suru'
| Form | Positive | Negative |
|---|---|---|
| Dictionary | 伯仲する | 伯仲しない |
| Polite | 伯仲します | 伯仲しません |
| Past polite | 伯仲しました | 伯仲しませんでした |
| Past | 伯仲した | 伯仲しなかった |
| Te-form | 伯仲して | 伯仲しないで |
| Desire | 伯仲したい | 伯仲したくない |
| Potential | 伯仲できる | 伯仲できない |
| Passive | 伯仲される | 伯仲されない |
| Causative | 伯仲させる | 伯仲させない |
| Causative passive | 伯仲させられる | 伯仲させられない |
| Volitional | 伯仲しよう | |
| Polite volitional | 伯仲しましょう | |
| Imperative | 伯仲しろ | 伯仲するな |
| Conditional | 伯仲すれば | 伯仲しなければ |
| Tara conditional | 伯仲したら | 伯仲しなかったら |
Meanings
noun, noun or participle which takes 'suru', intransitive verb
evenly matched; on a par; well contested
Describes a close contest or comparable ability, often in sports, competition, or skill comparisons. Used as a noun or with する to mean 'to be evenly matched'.
The two teams are evenly matched in ability.
This election looks like it will be a closely contested battle.
eldest and second eldest brother; older and younger brother
Archaic original meaning referring to brothers, specifically the eldest and second eldest, or more broadly older and younger brothers. Not used in modern Japanese outside historical or literary contexts.
In classical texts, 伯仲 can refer to brothers.
Usage patterns
- 〈事〉が伯仲するfor something (a contest, ability, etc.) to be closely matched
The two teams are evenly matched in ability.
- 伯仲の〈事〉a closely contested ~ (match, race, debate, etc.)
The closely contested battle continued until the very end.