1.
even; fifty-fifty; equal
Describing a situation where two sides are evenly matched with no advantage to either, often used for competitions, negotiations, or odds.
勝負は五分五分だ。
The match is fifty-fifty.
両者の実力は五分だ。
Both sides are evenly matched.
五分の条件で交渉する。
To negotiate on equal terms.
2.
five parts (out of ten); half; 50%
A quantity representing five out of ten in the traditional Japanese counting system, equivalent to half or 50 percent.
成功する確率は五分だ。
The probability of success is fifty percent.
五分の利益を得る。
To earn a fifty percent profit.
合格の可能性は五分五分だと言われた。
I was told the chance of passing was fifty-fifty.
Read as ごぶ, not ごふん (which is the time expression for five minutes). Based on the traditional system where 10 分 = 1 whole, so 五分 literally means five out of ten, or 50%. Most commonly used in the reduplicated form 五分五分 to mean fifty-fifty or even odds.
COMMON COLLOCATIONS:
- 五分五分: fifty-fifty, even odds
- 五分の条件: equal terms
- 五分に渡り合う: to hold one's own, fight on equal terms
- 五分の戦い: an even fight
NOTE ON READING:
- 五分: five parts, even — traditional counting unit
- 五分: five minutes — the time expression (separate entry)