相当する

• Reading: そうとうする
• Romaji: sōtō suru
• Kanji breakdown: 相 (sō) — mutual, each other; 当 (tō) — to correspond, hit the mark
• Pronunciation: /soː.toː.sɯ.ɾɯ/

Meaning

To correspond to; to be equivalent to; to amount to. Indicates that something matches or equals another in value or degree.

A する verb (Group 3). Used for expressing equivalence — in value, rank, amount, or significance. Common pattern: AはBに相当する (A corresponds to B). Also used as an adverb (相当) meaning 'considerably.' Formal and precise in tone.

Examples

1. この資格は大学卒業に相当する。 This qualification is equivalent to a college degree.
2. 被害額は数億円に相当するとみられている。 The damage is estimated to amount to several hundred million yen.
3. 彼の役職は部長に相当するポジションだ。 His position is equivalent to that of a department head.

Usage Guide

Context: comparison, evaluation, official

Tone: objective

Origin & History

From Chinese 相當. 相 means 'mutual/each other' and 当 means 'to match/correspond.' Together: to match each other, to be equivalent.

Cultural Context

Era: Modern

Generation: Adults

Social background: Professional