匹敵する

• Reading: ひってきする
• Romaji: hitteki suru
• Kanji breakdown: 匹 (hitsu) — equal, counter for animals; 敵 (teki) — opponent, rival, enemy
• Pronunciation: /hi.tːe.ki.sɯ.ɾɯ/

Meaning

To be a match for; to rival; to be comparable to. Indicates something is equal in quality, strength, or value.

A する verb (Group 3). Used for expressing that something reaches the same level as another, often impressive, standard. Common pattern: AはBに匹敵する (A rivals B). Can imply both admiration (reaching a high standard) and surprise (unexpectedly equal). Often used in comparisons.

Examples

1. 彼の才能はプロの選手に匹敵する。 His talent rivals that of professional players.
2. この小さな店の味は有名レストランに匹敵する。 The food at this small restaurant rivals that of famous restaurants.
3. 今年の猛暑は記録的な暑さに匹敵するほどだ。 This year's heat wave is comparable to record-breaking temperatures.

Usage Guide

Context: comparison, evaluation, praise

Tone: impressed

Origin & History

From Chinese 匹敵. 匹 originally meant 'a roll of cloth' but came to mean 'equal/match' and 敵 means 'opponent/rival.' Together: to be an equal opponent.

Cultural Context

Era: Classical

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal