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.
自由と責任は表裏一体だ。
Freedom and responsibility are two sides of the same coin.
リスクとリターンは表裏一体の関係にある。
Risk and return are inseparably linked.
便利さと危険さは表裏一体であり、テクノロジーの恩恵を受けるには、そのリスクも理解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) used to express that two seemingly opposite concepts are fundamentally inseparable. Often followed by だ, の関係, or である. Very common in essays, editorials, and formal discussions.
ETYMOLOGY:
表 (front/surface) + 裏 (back/reverse) + 一体 (one body). Literally "front and back as one body."
COMMON PATTERNS:
- AとBは表裏一体だ: A and B are two sides of the same coin
- 表裏一体の関係: an inseparable relationship
- 表裏一体をなす: to form two sides of the same coin