Japanese word

対

Pronunciation

Romajitai

Meaning

  • nounversus

Example

試合は東京対大阪です。shi ai wa tō kyō tai ō saka de su

The game is Tokyo versus Osaka.

Illustration for 対 (versus)

More examples

次の試合は一対一の勝負です。tsugi no shi ai wa ichi tai ichi no shō bu de su

The next game is a one-on-one match.

Core concept

Marks two sides as facing each other in a comparison, contest, or matchup.

Common phrases

  • 一対一ichi tai ichi

    one-on-one

  • 東京対大阪tō kyō tai ō saka

    Tokyo versus Osaka

Definition in Japanese

二つの側を向かい合わせて比べたり争わせたりする関係。futa tsu no gawa o mu ka i a wa se te kura be ta ri araso wa se ta ri su ru kan kei

Word origin

対 (tai, "versus") is a Sino-Japanese noun based on the character 対 (tai, "face or oppose"), linking its meaning to two sides set against each other.

Usage tips

  • The compact 対 (tai, "versus") is common in headlines and schedules because it places the two competing names side by side without a full verb.

Word lists with this word