表裏一体(ひょうりいったい)

ひょうりいったい
noun, na-adjective
two sides of the same coin; inseparable
formalwritten
1. two sides of the same coin, inseparable, forming one body
Two things that appear opposite or different but are in fact inseparable aspects of the same thing, like the front and back of a single sheet. Used to express that seemingly contradictory qualities are fundamentally connected.
自由(じゆう)と責任(せきにん)は表裏一体(ひょうりいったい)だ。
Freedom and responsibility are two sides of the same coin.
リスクとリターンは表裏一体(ひょうりいったい)の関係(かんけい)にある。
Risk and return are inseparably linked.
便利(べんり)さと危険(きけん)さは表裏一体(ひょうりいったい)であり、テクノロジーの恩恵(おんけい)を受(う)けるには、そのリスクも理解(りかい)しなければならない。
Convenience and danger are inseparable, and to enjoy the benefits of technology, one must also understand its risks.

Usage

A four-character compound (四字熟語(よじじゅくご)) used to express that two seemingly opposite concepts are fundamentally inseparable. Often followed by だ, の関係(かんけい), or である. Very common in essays, editorials, and formal discussions.

Etymology

表(ひょう) (front/surface) + 裏(り) (back/reverse) + 一体(いったい) (one body). Literally "front and back as one body."

Common patterns

  • AとBは表裏一体(ひょうりいったい)だ: A and B are two sides of the same coin
  • 表裏一体(ひょうりいったい)の関係(かんけい): an inseparable relationship
  • 表裏一体(ひょうりいったい)をなす: to form two sides of the same coin

Related Words

Compare: 背中合(せなかあ)わせ (back to back)
Compare: 切(き)り離(はな)せない (inseparable)
Compare: 不可分(ふかぶん) (indivisible)
Compare: 両輪(りょうりん) (both wheels)
general
Added 2026.2.28 8:13 · Revised 2026.9.2 13:01
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