ライバル

らいばる

noun

rival, competitor

1. rival, competitor

A person, team, or entity that competes with another on a similar level. Unlike the purely negative English connotation, ライバル in Japanese often implies a respected opponent who pushes one to improve.

彼(かれ)は私(わたし)のライバルだ。

He is my rival.

ライバル会社(がいしゃ)との競争(きょうそう)が激(はげ)しい。

The competition with rival companies is fierce.

子供(こども)の頃(ころ)からのライバルがいたからこそ、ここまで成長(せいちょう)できた。

It was because I had a rival since childhood that I was able to grow this far.

ライバル is a loanword from English "rival." In Japanese usage, it often carries a positive or respectful nuance — a worthy opponent who brings out the best in you.

Common collocations

ライバル会社(がいしゃ) / ライバル企業(きぎょう) (rival company)
ライバル関係(かんけい) (rival relationship)
ライバル意識(いしき) (sense of rivalry, competitive spirit)
ライバル心(しん) (competitive spirit)
永遠(えいえん)のライバル (eternal rival)
良(よ)きライバル (a good rival)

Usage

In manga and anime, ライバル is a key character archetype — the rival who pushes the protagonist forward
良(よ)きライバル (a good rival) is a common expression showing the positive Japanese view of rivalry
The native equivalent 競争相手(きょうそうあいて) is more neutral and businesslike

Related Words

Related: 競争(きょうそう) (competition, contest)

Compare: 強敵(きょうてき) (formidable enemy)

Compare: 商売仇(しょうばいがたき) (business rival)

general

Added 2026.2.15 9:23 · Revised 2026.9.2 13:01

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