同等
dōtō[do̞ːto̞ː]
The English word "equivalent" is translated into Japanese as 同等 (dōtō).
同等 is an adjective used to describe things that are similar or identical in value.
Meaning: similar or identical in value (adj)
What does it mean word for word?
The word is composed of 同 (dō), meaning 'same' and 等 (tō), meaning 'equal' or 'rank'.
Related words
How does it change in a sentence?
To use 同等 as an attributive adjective to modify a noun, add the particle の after it, resulting in 同等の. When functioning as a predicate in a sentence, 同等 is often followed by the copula である or だ to mean 'is equivalent'.
How do you pronounce it?
dōtō
Did you know?
- When comparing two things that are 'equivalent' in a competitive or sports context, Japanese speakers often use the term 互角, which literally implies that the two sides are 'grasping each other's blades' in a duel.
- The kanji 等 can also be read as 'nado' in certain grammatical constructions, where it functions as a suffix meaning 'and so on' or 'such as', shifting its meaning from 'equality' to 'categorization'.
- The character 同 (dō) is used in the word 同意 (dōi), meaning 'agreement'. Literally, this translates to 'same intention', showing how Japanese expresses consent through the idea of equivalence.
Examples in context
- １メートルは１ヤードとは完全に同等ではない。A meter is not quite equivalent to a yard.This sentence shows how to use 同等 to compare measurements.Tatoeba #235820 by e4zh1nmcz, translation #73200 by Zifre
- これは同等の価値ですThis is of equivalent value.
- これらの概念は等価ですThese concepts are equivalent.
- 彼らは同じくらいの才能を持っていますThey have equivalent talent.
- 二つの理論は同等の価値がある。Futatsu no riron wa dōtō no kachi ga aru.The two theories have equivalent value.
- これは、それと同等の性能を持っている。Kore wa, sore to dōtō no seinō o motte iru.This has performance equivalent to that one.
Example conversation
Misaki and Kenta are comparing two different job offers.
- 美咲 Misaki健太さん、この条件はどう思いますか？Kenta-san, kono jōken wa dō omoimasu ka?Kenta, what do you think of these conditions?
- 健太 Kenta前の会社と同等の待遇だと思います。Mae no kaisha to dōtō no taigū da to omoimasu.I think the treatment is equivalent to the previous company.
- 美咲 Misakiそれなら、迷わずに決められますね。Sore nara, mayowazu ni kimeraremasu ne.In that case, I can decide without hesitation.
- 健太 Kentaはい、十分な条件だと思いますよ。Hai, jūbun na jōken da to omoimasu yo.Yes, I think the conditions are sufficient.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry 同等, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
