1.
worthy rival; good opponent; well-matched competitor
A rival or competitor whose skill level closely matches one's own, making the competition both challenging and stimulating. Implies mutual respect between competitors.
彼は私にとって好敵手だ。
He is a worthy rival to me.
二人は長年の好敵手として互いを高め合ってきた。
The two have pushed each other to improve as long-time rivals.
よい好敵手がいたからこそ、ここまで成長できたのだと思う。
I think it was precisely because I had a good rival that I was able to grow this much.
USAGE:
好敵手 has a positive connotation. It implies that the rivalry brings out the best in both parties. The ライバル (rival) loanword is more common in casual speech, while 好敵手 is more literary.
COMMON COLLOCATIONS:
- 好敵手と競う (to compete with a worthy rival)
- 生涯の好敵手 (a lifelong rival)
- 好敵手に恵まれる (to be blessed with a good rival)
ETYMOLOGY:
好 (good, favorable) + 敵手 (opponent). Literally "a good opponent" — someone whose opposition is welcome because it drives improvement.