Meaning and Usage
"匹敵" (ひってき) is a formal verb meaning "to rival," "to be comparable to," or "to match." It is often used to express that someone or something is equal in ability, quality, or status to another person or thing. This word is common in written and formal spoken Japanese, especially in contexts like business, sports, or evaluations.
Common Collocations
- "〜に匹敵する": to rival or be comparable to something.
- "実力が匹敵する": abilities or skills are comparable.
- "価格や性能に匹敵する": comparable in price or performance.
Nuance and Register
"匹敵" carries a nuance of strong comparison, often implying that the two things compared are nearly equal in value or quality. It is more formal and literary than casual expressions like "同じくらい" (about the same). Avoid using it in casual conversations.
Common Mistakes
Learners sometimes confuse "匹敵" with "対等" (たいとう), which means "equal" or "equivalent" in status but is more about equality in rank or position rather than comparison of qualities or abilities. Use "匹敵" when emphasizing comparable strength or quality.
Summary
Use "匹敵" when you want to emphasize that something or someone is on par with another in a strong, often formal comparison. It is useful in professional, academic, or evaluative contexts.