対
tai[ta̠i]
The Japanese way to say 'versus' is 対 (tai).
To state 'A versus B', you follow the pattern 'A-tai-B'.
Meaning: compared with (prep)
Which one should you use?
Japanese speakers often use the Latin abbreviation 'vs.' in casual writing or shorthand.
How do you pronounce it?
tai
Did you know?
- While 対 denotes opposition, it also carries the meaning of 'pair' or 'couple' in many contexts, such as when describing a set of matching objects.
- The word for 'dialogue' or 'conversation' in Japanese is 対話 ('taiwa'), which literally means a 'versus-talk'.
- In Japanese, the character 対 is used to form the word 対等 ('taitō'), which describes a relationship of absolute equality and parity between two people.
Examples in context
- 東京大学対京都大学のディベートが見ものです。The debate between the University of Tokyo and Kyoto University is worth watching.
- バスケットボールの試合、Aチーム対Bチーム、どちらが勝つと思う？In the basketball game, A team versus B team, who do you think will win?
Example conversation
Hiyori and Ren are discussing a game tournament.
- 陽葵 Himari次の試合は誰対誰かな？tsugi no shiai wa dare tai dare kana?Who is versus whom in the next match?
- 蓮 Ren陽葵対私の試合だよ。Hiyori tai watashi no shiai dayo.It is Hiyori versus me.
- 陽葵 Himari絶対私が勝つからね！zettai watashi ga katsu kara ne!I am definitely going to win!
- 蓮 Ren蓮に負けないでね。Ren ni makenaide ne.Don't lose to Ren.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry 対, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
