対(たい)

たい
noun
pair, versus, against
See also: 対(たい)する (verb form)
1. pair, couple, set
Two things that form a matching set or are meant to go together.
この花瓶(かびん)は一対(いっつい)で売(う)られている。
These vases are sold as a pair.
一対(いっつい)のイヤリング。
A pair of earrings.
一対(いっつい)の燭台(しょくだい)。
A pair of candlesticks.
対(つい)になっている置物(おきもの)。
Ornaments that form a pair.
神社(じんじゃ)の入(い)り口(ぐち)に一対(いっつい)の狛犬(こまいぬ)が置(お)かれている。
A pair of guardian dogs is placed at the entrance of the shrine.
2. versus, against
Used to indicate opposition or comparison between two sides, as in sports scores or matchups.
日本(にほん)対(たい)ブラジルの試合(しあい)を見(み)た。
I watched the Japan vs. Brazil match.
3対(たい)2で勝(か)った。
We won 3 to 2.
1対(たい)0で負(ま)けた。
We lost 1 to 0.
A対(たい)Bの対戦(たいせん)。
A match between A and B.
チャンピオン対(たい)挑戦者(ちょうせんしゃ)。
Champion versus challenger.
与党(よとう)対(たい)野党(やとう)。
Ruling party versus opposition.

対(たい) has two main uses: "versus/against" and "pair/set." The reading changes depending on meaning.

READINGS:

VERSUS USAGE:

  • A対(たい)B: A versus B (sports, debates, competitions)
  • N対(たい)N: score format (3対(たい)2 = 3 to 2)
  • Common in sports broadcasts and news

PAIR USAGE:

COMMON COMPOUNDS:

Related Words

Related: 対策(たいさく) (compound)
core
Added 2026.1.12 23:02 · Revised 2026.5.25 23:40
03000/03382_tai