Translation and Meaning of: 等しい - hitoshii

The Japanese word 「等しい」 (hitoshii) means "equal" or "equivalent" in various contexts, both literal and figurative. In everyday Japanese, it is used to indicate that two or more things have the same value, size, or importance. This expression is essential for those learning Japanese, as it helps to describe comparisons in a precise way.

Etymologically, 「等しい」 derives from the archaic Japanese adjectival verb, relating to the kanji 「等」, which carries the meaning of equality or similarity. The radical of the kanji, 竹, refers to bamboo, traditionally seen as equal in proportions and symmetry, emphasizing the idea of uniformity and constancy that the word denotes.

Variações e Uso Contextual

• 「等」 (tou) - In more formal contexts and compound words, also used for groups and categories.
• "「同じ」 (onaji) - Another Japanese word that also means 'equal', but is generally used in a broader and less precise way than 「等しい」."
• 「等しく」 (hitoshiku) - Used as an adverb to describe actions performed in the same way.

The origin of the word can be traced back to ancient periods of the Japanese language, where meticulous descriptions were essential in a time of growing social and economic complexity. The need for a term like 「等しい」 solidified in societies that valued hierarchy and symmetry in relationships and daily activities.

Vocabulary

Expand your vocabulary with related words:

Synonyms and similar words

• 同じ (onaji) - Equal; identical
• 等しく (hitoshiku) - Equally; likewise
• 平等 (byoudou) - Equality; impartiality
• 均等 (kintou) - Uniformity; balance between parts
• 同等 (doutou) - Of the same level; equivalent
• 等差 (tousa) - Equal difference; arithmetic progression (mathematical context)

等しい

Romaji: hitoshii
Kana: ひとしい
Type: adjective
L: jlpt-n3

Translation / Meaning: equal

Meaning in English: equal

Definition: be of the same value or degree.

Example Sentences - (等しい) hitoshii

See below some example sentences:

正方形は四辺が等しい四角形です。

Seikaku wa shihen ga hitoshii shikakkei desu

A square is a quadrilateral with four equal sides.

The square is a square with four equal sides.

• 正方形 - It means "square" in Japanese.
• は - topic particle in Japanese.
• 四辺 - It means "four sides" in Japanese.
• が - subject particle in Japanese.
• 等しい - It means "equal" in Japanese.
• 四角形 - means "quadrilateral" in Japanese.
• です - The verb "to be" in Japanese in the polite form.

二つの物が等しいです。

Futatsu no mono ga hitoshii desu

The two objects are the same.

Two things are the same.

• 二つの物 - means "two objects" in Japanese.
• が - subject particle in Japanese.
• 等しい - It means "equal" in Japanese.
• です - verb "to be" in Japanese, used to indicate the existence or state of something.