Translation and Meaning of: 対 - tai

The Japanese word 対[たい] is a versatile term frequently used in the language, carrying meanings that range from "opposition" to "pair" or "relationship." If you are studying Japanese or simply interested in the language, understanding how and when to use this word can enrich your vocabulary. In this article, we will explore its meaning, origin, and practical applications, as well as cultural curiosities that make 対[たい] a fascinating word.

For those searching on Google for information about 対[たい], this text will clarify common questions, such as its correct translation, context of use, and even tips for memorization. Suki Nihongo, the best online Japanese dictionary, provides real examples and detailed explanations to aid in learning. Let's dive into the details of this word and discover why it is so relevant in Japanese everyday life.

Meaning and uses of 対 [たい]

The term 対[たい] has multiple meanings, depending on the context in which it is used. In its most basic form, it can mean "against," indicating opposition, as in 対戦[たいせん] (fight against someone). However, it can also represent a pair or combination, as in 対のイス[たいのいす] (pair of chairs). This duality of meanings makes the word especially useful in different situations.

Additionally, 対[たい] appears in everyday and formal expressions. For example, 対策[たいさく] means "countermeasure" or "solution to a problem," while 対談[たいだん] refers to a conversation between two people, often in a professional context. This variety of applications demonstrates how the word is rooted in Japanese communication.

Origin and writing of 対[たい]

The origin of the kanji 対 dates back to classical Chinese, where it originally represented the idea of "to respond" or "to correspond." Over time, its meaning evolved to include notions of opposition and parity. The radical 寸[すん] (measurement) appears in this kanji, suggesting a relationship of proportion or balance between opposing or complementary elements.

In modern writing, 対 is made up of 7 strokes and is classified as an intermediate level kanji, often found in formal and informal texts. Its most common reading is たい, but it can also be read as つい in certain contexts, such as in 対の[ついの] (a pair). This variation in pronunciation underscores the importance of studying the context in which the word appears.

Tips for memorizing 対[たい]

An effective way to memorize 対[たい] is to associate it with compound words you already know. For example, remembering 対戦[たいせん] (competition) or 対話[たいわ] (dialogue) makes it easier to identify the central meaning of the word. Another strategy is to create flashcards with practical examples, such as sentences that show its different uses.

Moreover, observing the kanji 対 in real contexts, such as in news or animes, can help reinforce its meaning. Many students report that watching Japanese content with subtitles makes it easier to learn terms like 対[たい], as repetition in varied situations consolidates memory. Suki Nihongo provides a selection of authentic examples for practice.

Vocabulary

Expand your vocabulary with related words:

Synonyms and similar words

• 相手 (aite) - Partner, opponent
• 対象 (taishou) - Target, object of analysis
• 対戦 (taisetsu) - Confrontation, competition
• 対立 (tairitsu) - Conflict, opposition
• 対策 (taisaku) - Countermeasure, strategy
• 対応 (taiou) - Response, support for a problem
• 対比 (taihi) - Comparison, contrast
• 対話 (taiwa) - dialogue, conversation
• 対処 (taisho) - Management, dealing with a situation
• 対抗 (taikou) - Competition, opposition to something

対

Romaji: tai
Kana: たい
Type: noun
L: jlpt-n3

Translation / Meaning: reason; versus; against; opposition

Meaning in English: ratio;versus;against;opposition

Definition: To point at someone.

Example Sentences - (対) tai

See below some example sentences:

対抗することは競争を促進する。

Taikou suru koto wa kyousou wo sokushin suru

The competition is promoted by the opposition.

Competition promotes competition.

• 対抗すること - means "to compete" or "to confront".
• は - particle that indicates the topic of the sentence.
• 競争を - means "competition".
• 促進する - means "to promote" or "to stimulate".

適当な対応をする必要がある。

Tekitō na taiō o suru hitsuyō ga aru

It is necessary to take appropriate action.

It is necessary to take appropriate measures.

• 適当な - Adequado, apropriado
• 対応をする - lidar com, respond to
• 必要がある - be necessary

適宜に対応してください。

Tekigi ni taiou shite kudasai

Please respond accordingly.

Please respond accordingly.

• 適宜 (teki gi) - adequately, appropriately
• に (ni) - Particle indicating the target of the action
• 対応 (taio) - response, reaction, correspondence
• して (shite) - form of the verb "suru" (する) in the gerund
• ください (kudasai) - Please, make.

私たちは対面して話し合いました。

Watashitachi wa taimen shite hanashiaimashita

We met face to face and argued.

We talked to face -to -face.

• 私たちは - 「私たち」
• 対面して - "We met face to face" in Japanese
• 話し合いました - "We discussed" in Japanese

私は反対です。

Watashi wa hantai desu

I'm against.

I disagree with that.

• 私 - Japanese personal pronoun that means "I"
• は - topic particle that indicates the subject of the sentence, in this case "I"
• 反対 - noun that means "opposition" or "objection"
• です - verb "to be" in the present tense and formal

早急に対応してください。

Sōkyū ni taiō shite kudasai

Please answer quickly.

Please answer immediately.

• 早急に - adverb that means "urgently" or "immediately"
• 対応 - noun that means "response," "reaction," or "treatment"
• して - particle that indicates action or verb in the imperative
• ください - verb meaning "please" or "do"

対話は相手を理解するための重要な手段です。

Taidowa wa aite o rikai suru tame no juuyou na shudan desu

Dialogue is an important means of understanding the other person.

Dialogue is an important means to understand the other person.

• 対話 (taiwa) - dialogue
• は (wa) - Topic particle
• 相手 (aite) - another person, interlocutor
• を (wo) - direct object particle
• 理解する (rikai suru) - Understand
• ための (tame no) - for
• 重要な (juuyou na) - important
• 手段 (shudan) - middle, method
• です (desu) - Verb to be/estar

対辺は三角形の辺の一つです。

Taiben wa sankakkei no hen no hitotsu desu

The hypotenuse is one side of the triangle.

The opposite is one of the triangles.

• 対辺 - means "opposite side" in Japanese, referring to the opposite side of an angle in a triangle.
• 三角形 - Means "triangle" in Japanese.
• 辺 - means "side" in Japanese, referring to one side of a triangle.
• 一つ - means "one" in Japanese, indicating that the side mentioned is one of the sides of the triangle.
• です - is a Japanese particle that indicates a statement or statement.

この秘密は絶対に守ります。

Kono himitsu wa zettai ni mamorimasu

I will protect this secret at all costs.

This secret is absolutely protected.

• この - demonstrative pronoun "this"
• 秘密 - noun "secret"
• は - Topic particle
• 絶対に - adverb "absolutely"
• 守ります - "protect"

この製品の対応は非常に迅速でした。

Kono seihin no taiou wa hijou ni jinsoku deshita

The answer of this product was very fast.

• この - demonstrative pronoun that means "this" or "this here"
• 製品 - noun meaning "product" or "merchandise"
• の - possessive particle that indicates that the previous noun is the possessor
• 対応 - noun that means "response" or "treatment"
• は - topic particle indicating that the preceding noun is the topic of the sentence
• 非常に - adverb meaning "very" or "extremely"
• 迅速 - adjective that means "fast" or "agile"
• でした - verb "to be" in the polite past