1.
difference in ability; gap in skill level
The gap or disparity between the actual abilities of two or more people or teams. Commonly used in sports, competition, and educational contexts.
実力差が大きい。
There's a big difference in ability.
両チームの実力差は歴然だった。
The gap in skill between the two teams was obvious.
練習を重ねて、少しずつ実力差を縮めてきた。
Through repeated practice, I've gradually closed the gap in ability.
WORD FORMATION:
実力 (real ability, actual skill) + 差 (difference, gap). The 差 suffix is productive and can be attached to many nouns to express a gap or difference.
COMMON COLLOCATIONS:
- 実力差がある (there is a skill gap)
- 実力差を見せつける (to show the difference in ability)
- 実力差を埋める (to close the skill gap)
- 実力差を縮める (to narrow the ability gap)
- 圧倒的な実力差 (an overwhelming difference in ability)