対等

• 読み: たいとう
• ローマ字: taitou
• 漢字の分解: 対 (tai) — opposite, face, mutual; 等 (tō) — equal, class, rank
• 発音: /ta.i.toː/

意味

Equal; on equal footing; on equal terms. Describes a relationship where both sides hold the same status or power.

A na-adjective and noun emphasising equality of status, standing, or power between two parties. Frequently used in contexts of relationships, negotiations, and social dynamics. Common patterns include 対等な関係 (equal relationship), 対等に (on equal terms), and 対等の立場 (equal standing). Distinct from 平等 (equality in rights/treatment) in that 対等 focuses specifically on balance of power or status.

例文

1. 上司と対等な立場で話し合えるのは珍しい。
2. 夫婦は対等なパートナーであるべきだ。
3. 大企業と対等に交渉するのは簡単ではない。

使い方ガイド

場面: workplace, relationships, negotiations, social commentary

トーン: neutral

起源と歴史

From Sino-Japanese: 対 (tai, opposite/face) + 等 (tō, equal/class). Literally 'facing each other as equals,' conveying a balanced, symmetrical relationship between parties.

文化的背景

時代: Modern

世代: All ages

社会的背景: Universal