Japanese word

対等

Pronunciation

Romajitaitō

Meaning

  • na-adjectiveequal footing

Example

二人は対等な立場です。futa ri wa tai tō na tachi ba de su

The two are on equal footing.

Illustration for 対等 (equal footing)

More examples

年齢に関係なく、参加者は対等に話し合います。nen rei ni kan kei na ku san ka sha wa tai tō ni hana shi a i ma su

Regardless of age, the participants discuss things on an equal footing.

Core concept

Shows that two sides meet with equal status, rights, or influence rather than in a superior and subordinate relationship.

Common phrases

  • 対等な立場tai tō na tachi ba

    equal footing

  • 対等な関係tai tō na kan kei

    an equal relationship

  • 対等に扱うtai tō ni atsuka u

    treat as an equal

Similar words

同等dōtō: Having the same level, value, rank, or status as something else.
平等byōdō: Giving or receiving the same rights, opportunities, or treatment without unfair differences.
互角gokaku: Having nearly equal ability, strength, or advantage in a contest or conflict.

Definition in Japanese

二者の間に身分や権力の差がなく、互いに同じ立場であるさま。ni sha no aida ni mi bun ya ken ryoku no sa ga na ku taga i ni ona ji tachi ba de a ru sa ma

Word origin

対 (tai, "facing or opposing") is combined with 等 (tō, "equal or of the same rank"), forming a word for equal status between sides.

Usage tips

  • The expression 対等に扱う (taitō ni atsukau) means to treat someone as an equal, so it concerns status in a relationship rather than identical qualities.

Other meanings

  • equalitynoun

Opposites

  • 不平等fubyōdōunequalna-adjective

Related words

  • 対等性taitōseiequalitynoun

Word lists with this word