Meaning and Usage
"相手" (あいて) primarily means "partner" or "opponent" depending on context. It refers to the person you are interacting with, whether in conversation, competition, or business.
Common Contexts
- In sports or games, "相手" means the opponent or competitor.
- In conversations, it refers to the person you are talking to.
- In business, it can mean a partner or counterpart.
Collocations and Patterns
- "相手に勝つ" (あいてにかつ): to win against the opponent.
- "相手の話を聞く" (あいてのはなしをきく): to listen to the other person’s story.
- "ビジネスの相手" (ビジネスのあいて): business partner.
Register and Nuance
"相手" is a neutral term used in both formal and informal situations. It is polite enough for business contexts but also common in everyday conversation.
Common Mistakes
Learners sometimes confuse "相手" with "友達" (friend). Remember, "相手" simply means the other person involved, not necessarily a friend. It can be an opponent or a stranger depending on context.