1.
pros and cons, merits and demerits
Having both good and bad points. Literally: one long, one short.
どちらにも一長一短がある。
Both have their pros and cons.
一長一短を比べて決めた。
I compared the pros and cons and decided.
都会暮らしには一長一短がある。
Living in the city has its advantages and disadvantages.
どの方法にも一長一短があるので、よく考えてから選んだほうがいい。
Every method has its pros and cons, so you should think carefully before choosing.
電車も車も一長一短だが、時間が読めるという点では電車のほうがいい。
Both trains and cars have pros and cons, but trains are better in that the travel time is predictable.
一長一短 is a 四字熟語 meaning "pros and cons" or "merits and demerits."
LITERAL MEANING:
一 (one) + 長 (strong point) + 一 (one) + 短 (weak point) - "one strength, one weakness."
COMMON PATTERNS:
- 一長一短がある: has pros and cons
- 一長一短を比べる: compare the pros and cons
- どちらにも一長一短がある: both have their merits and demerits
USAGE:
Used when evaluating options where nothing is perfect. Conveys that each choice has both advantages and disadvantages.
SIMILAR EXPRESSIONS:
- メリット・デメリット: merits and demerits (loanword)
- 長所と短所: strengths and weaknesses