渡り合う

• 読み: わたりあう
• ローマ字: watariau
• 漢字の分解: 渡 (to/wataru) — to cross, to traverse; 合 (gō/au) — to meet, to match
• 発音: /wa.ta.ɾi.a.ɯ/

意味

To cross swords with; to compete with on equal terms; to deal with a formidable opponent without backing down.

A Group 1 (godan) compound verb combining 渡る (to cross, to traverse) and 合う (to meet, to match each other). The image is of two parties crossing each other in combat or competition. It implies a close, spirited contest in which the speaker holds their own against a challenging opponent. Often used to highlight that an underdog performed impressively.

例文

1. 若い選手が世界チャンピオンと互角に渡り合ったことに観衆は驚いた。
2. 強硬な相手と渡り合うには、冷静さと確かな論理が必要だ。
3. 彼女は海外の交渉相手とも臆せず渡り合えるほど英語が堪能だ。

使い方ガイド

場面: sports, debates, negotiations, business, competition

トーン: admiring

起源と歴史

Compound of 渡る (wataru — to cross, to traverse) and 合う (au — to meet, to interact mutually). The 合う suffix indicates a reciprocal action. Historically used for swordfighters crossing blades; the meaning later extended to any competitive or argumentative clash.

文化的背景

時代: Edo

世代: Adults

社会的背景: General