等しい

• Reading: ひとしい
• Romaji: hitoshii
• Kanji breakdown: 等 (tō/hitoshi) — equal, class, rank
• Pronunciation: /çi.to.ɕi.i/

Meaning

Equal; equivalent; the same. Describes two things being identical in value, degree, or status.

An i-adjective conjugated regularly (等しくない, 等しかった). Often used in formal or written contexts, comparable to English 'equal to' or 'tantamount to.' Common patterns: AとBは等しい (A and B are equal), ～に等しい (equivalent to ~). More literary than 同じ, which is preferred in casual speech.

Examples

1. この二つの三角形の面積は等しい。 The areas of these two triangles are equal.
2. 彼の行動は裏切りに等しいと思った。 I thought his actions were tantamount to betrayal.
3. 全員に等しくチャンスが与えられるべきだ。 Everyone should be given an equal chance.

Usage Guide

Context: academic, writing, comparison

Tone: analytical

Origin & History

The kanji 等 (tō/hitoshi) means 'equal, class, rank.' Originally used in classical Japanese to compare things of the same grade or level.

Cultural Context

Era: Classical

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal