互 角(ごかく)

ごかく

noun, na-adjective

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

Related Words

Synonym: 対等(たいとう) (equal (status, relationships))

Synonym: 五分五分(ごぶごぶ) (fifty-fifty)

general

Added 2026.3.14 13:25 · Revised 2026.9.2 13:01

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