倍
Meanings
times as much; -fold
Counter-like suffix attached to numbers to express a multiplier, as in 3倍 'three times' or 10倍 'tenfold'.
This medicine is used after diluting it tenfold with water.
The number of applicants this year is three times last year's.
one in n; n to one odds
In competition ratios, selection odds, and similar contexts, N倍 can mean that there are N people or chances for one place: effectively 'one in N' or 'N to 1'.
The entrance exam had a competition ratio of forty to one.
The lottery odds for this course exceeded twenty to one.
Usage patterns
- 〈数〉が倍になるfor an amount to double
Sales doubled.
- 〈数〉倍の〈物〉N times the amount of something
Three times as many tourists came as last year.
- 定員の〈数〉倍N times the capacity or quota (a competition ratio)
There were five times as many applicants as there were openings.
- 〈数〉を倍にするto double an amount
To double one's salary.
- 〈数〉倍に増えるto increase N-fold
The costs increased twofold.
- 倍の〈物〉double the amount/price of something
It's being sold at double the price.
Expressions
- 一粒万倍a single seed can produce a great harvest; small beginnings can yield great results
- 倍にするdouble; make twice as much
- 薬九層倍medicines are sold at huge markups; pharmaceuticals are highly profitable
- 倍にして返すrepay double; pay back twice the amount · repay x times the amount
- 可愛さ余って憎さ百倍the greatest hate comes from the greatest love