等価(とうか)

とうか
noun, na-adjective
equivalence; equal value
formalabstract
1. equivalence; equal value; parity
The state of being equal in value, worth, or effect. Used in technical, economic, and academic contexts to express that two things are equivalent.
等価(とうか)交換(こうかん)の原則(げんそく)。
The principle of equivalent exchange.
この二(ふた)つの方法(ほうほう)は等価(とうか)だ。
These two methods are equivalent.
物理学(ぶつりがく)では質量(しつりょう)とエネルギーが等価(とうか)であることが証明(しょうめい)されている。
In physics, it has been proven that mass and energy are equivalent.

Composed of 等(とう) (equal) + 価(か) (value, price). A formal, often technical term for equivalence.

Usage

等価(とうか) appears in scientific, economic, and philosophical contexts. It can function as a noun (等価(とうか)を求(もと)める = to seek equivalence) or as an adjective-like modifier (等価(とうか)な = equivalent). It is particularly well-known from the concept of 等価(とうか)交換(こうかん) (equivalent exchange), familiar to many from physics and from the manga/anime series Fullmetal Alchemist.

Common collocations

Similar words

  • 同等(どうとう): equal, equivalent — more general and less technical; emphasizes being on the same level
  • 対等(たいとう): equal, on equal terms — emphasizes equal standing in a relationship or negotiation
  • 相当(そうとう): equivalent, corresponding — implies rough equivalence or correspondence rather than exact equality

Related Words

Compare: 同等(どうとう) (equal, equivalent)
Compare: 対等(たいとう) (equal, on equal terms)
Compare: 相当(そうとう) (equivalent, corresponding)
general
Added 2026.4.18 19:28 · Revised 2026.9.2 13:02
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