五分(ごぶ)

ごぶ
noun
even; fifty-fifty; half
quantity
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(しょうぶ)は五分五分(ごぶごぶ)だ。
The match is fifty-fifty.
両者(りょうしゃ)の実力(じつりょく)は五分(ごぶ)だ。
Both sides are evenly matched.
五分(ごぶ)の条件(じょうけん)で交渉(こうしょう)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(せいこう)する確率(かくりつ)は五分(ごぶ)だ。
The probability of success is fifty percent.
五分(ごぶ)の利益(りえき)を得(え)る。
To earn a fifty percent profit.
合格(ごうかく)の可能性(かのうせい)は五分五分(ごぶごぶ)だと言(い)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(ぶ) = 1 whole, so 五分(ごぶ) literally means five out of ten, or 50%. Most commonly used in the reduplicated form 五分五分(ごぶごぶ) to mean fifty-fifty or even odds.

Common collocations

Note on reading

  • 五分(ごぶ): five parts, even — traditional counting unit
  • 五分(ごふん): five minutes — the time expression (separate entry)
general
Added 2026.4.7 3:20 · Revised 2026.9.2 13:02
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