互角(ごかく)

ごかく
noun, adjective (na)
evenly matched, on par
1. evenly matched, on par, equal
Two sides being equal in strength, skill, or ability. Neither has a clear advantage over the other.
二人(ふたり)は互角(ごかく)の勝負(しょうぶ)だ。
The two are evenly matched.
互角(ごかく)の戦(たたか)いが続(つづ)いている。
An evenly matched battle continues.
実力(じつりょく)は互角(ごかく)だが、経験(けいけん)ではあちらが上(うえ)だ。
Their abilities are on par, but the other side has more experience.

互角(ごかく) describes two sides being equal in strength or ability, with neither having a clear advantage. It functions as both a noun and a na-adjective.

ETYMOLOGY:
The kanji literally means 'mutual horns' — like two animals locking horns with neither gaining the upper hand.

COMMON COLLOCATIONS:

  • 互角(ごかく)の勝負(しょうぶ): evenly matched contest
  • 互角(ごかく)の戦(たたか)い: evenly matched fight/battle
  • 互角(ごかく)に渡(わた)り合(あ)う: to compete on equal terms
  • 互角(ごかく)の実力(じつりょく): equal ability

USAGE:
Most commonly used in competitive contexts — sports, games, debates, business rivalries. Often appears in news and commentary.

SIMILAR WORDS:

  • 対等(たいとう): equal (broader, used for status and relationships)
  • 五分五分(ごぶごぶ): fifty-fifty, even odds
general
Added 2026.3.14 13:25 · Revised 2026.3.26 12:00
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