ペア

ぺあ
noun
pair, couple
1. pair, couple, duo
Two people or things that go together or are matched. Used for romantic couples, matched sets, or partners in activities.
ペアで参加(さんか)する。
To participate as a pair.
ペアルックの二人(ふたり)(ある)いていた。
A couple in matching outfits was walking by.
大会(たいかい)ではペアを()んでダンスを披露(ひろう)する。
At the competition, they pair up and perform a dance.

ペア refers to a matched pair or partnership — two people or things that go together. From English "pair."

IMPORTANT:
ペア emphasizes a matched or complementary set, not just any two items. For counting two of something, use (ふた)つ or 二個(にこ) instead.

COMMON COLLOCATIONS:

  • ペアを()む: to form a pair, to team up
  • ペアルック: matching outfits (worn by couples)
  • ペアリング: matching rings (for couples)
  • ペアチケット: pair ticket (two-person ticket)

USAGE IN SPORTS:

  • ペアスケーティング: pairs figure skating
  • ダブルス / ペア: doubles (in tennis, badminton)

SIMILAR WORDS:

  • (くみ): set, pair (Japanese word, used for teams/groups)
  • カップル: couple (romantic context)
  • コンビ: duo, partnership (from "combination," often for comedy duos or work partners)