背せい比くらべ

noun, noun or participle which takes 'suru', intransitive verb

comparing heights; height comparison

Often used when children stand back-to-back to see who is taller. Can be used figuratively for comparing abilities or status.

• 子こ供どもたちが背せい比くらべをしている。

  The children are comparing their heights.

• 弟おとうとと背せい比くらべしたら、もう私わたしの方ほうが高たかかった。

  When I compared heights with my younger brother, I was already taller.