肩を並べる

• Reading: かたをならべる
• Romaji: kata wo naraberu
• Kanji breakdown: 肩 (ken/kata) — shoulder; 並 (hei/nara) — line up, be equal
• Pronunciation: /ka.ta.o.na.ɾa.be.ɾɯ/

Meaning

To stand shoulder-to-shoulder; to be on equal footing; to rival; to be comparable to.

An expression using Group 2 (ichidan) verb 並べる. Literally 'to line up shoulders,' meaning to be at the same level as someone — either physically walking side by side or figuratively being comparable in ability, status, or achievement. Often used with と to indicate the person or entity being matched.

Examples

1. この若い選手はベテランと肩を並べる実力がある。 This young athlete has the skill to stand shoulder-to-shoulder with veterans.
2. 日本の技術は世界のトップと肩を並べている。 Japanese technology is on par with the world's best.
3. 姉と肩を並べて歩けるほど背が伸びた。 I've grown tall enough to walk side by side with my older sister.

Usage Guide

Context: competition, comparison, achievement

Tone: respectful

Origin & History

A physical metaphor: when two people can place their shoulders (肩) side by side (並べる), they are of equal height and stature. Extended to mean matching someone in ability or achievement.

Cultural Context

Era: Edo period

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal