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.
彼は私のライバルだ。
He is my rival.
ライバル会社との競争が激しい。
The competition with rival companies is fierce.
子供の頃からのライバルがいたからこそ、ここまで成長できた。
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 / ライバル企業 (rival company)
- ライバル関係 (rival relationship)
- ライバル意識 (sense of rivalry, competitive spirit)
- ライバル心 (competitive spirit)
- 永遠のライバル (eternal rival)
- 良きライバル (a good rival)
USAGE NOTES:
- In manga and anime, ライバル is a key character archetype — the rival who pushes the protagonist forward
- 良きライバル (a good rival) is a common expression showing the positive Japanese view of rivalry
- The native equivalent 競争相手 is more neutral and businesslike