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JLPT N17画 · 7 strokesradical 寸grade 3freq #34

vis-a-vis, opposite, even, equal

Also: versus, anti-, compare

On'yomi (音読み)

  • タイ
  • ツイ

Kun'yomi (訓読み)

  • あいて
  • こた.える
  • そろ.い
  • つれあ.い
  • なら.ぶ
  • むか.う

Mnemonic

Two identical figures stand face to face, perfectly aligned and balanced, symbolizing opposition and equality in their relationship to each other.

About this kanji

The kanji 対 primarily means "opposite" or "versus," and it's commonly used in nouns. It can indicate a relationship between two things that are facing each other. For example, 絶対 (ぜったい) means "absolutely" and shows a clear stance, while 対応 (たいおう) refers to "correspondence" or how things respond to each other. Another example is 対決 (たいけつ), meaning "confrontation," often used in contexts where two parties face off. A usage note: while 対 can describe opposition, it can also imply equality or balance, making it a versatile kanji in various contexts.

Example sentences

  • 対策を講じる必要がある。

    Measures need to be taken.

Meanings across languages

English
vis-a-vis, opposite, even, equal, versus, anti-, compare
Tiếng Việt
đối diện, đối lập, bằng nhau, bằng, đối kháng, chống lại, so sánh
日本語
対面, 対照, 均等, 等しい, 対抗, 反対, 比較
한국어
마주, 반대, 같다, 평등, 대결, 반대, 비교
中文
面对, 对立, 均等, 平等, 对抗, 反对, 比较
id
berhadapan
th
ต่อหน้า
es
frente a
fr
vis-à-vis
de
gegenüber
pt
em frente de

Common compounds

  • 絶対ぜったいabsolutely, definitely, unconditionally
  • 対応たいおうcorrespondence (to), equivalence, suitability
  • 対外たいがいexternal, foreign, with foreign countries
  • 対決たいけつconfrontation, showdown
  • 対抗たいこうopposition, rivalry, competition
  • 対策たいさくmeasure, step, countermeasure
  • 対象たいしょうtarget, object (of worship, study, etc.), subject (of taxation, etc.)
  • 対戦たいせんfighting (against), taking on (an opponent), facing

Want to actually learn this kanji?

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