Translation and Meaning of: 引き分け - hikiwake

The word 「引き分け」 (hikiwake) is used in the context of competitions, especially sports, to designate a situation of a draw, where neither party involved is able to emerge victorious. This word encapsulates a concept that is quite common in competitive events, where skills, strategies, and circumstances occasionally result in an equal score or outcome between opponents.

Etymologically, 「引き分け」 is formed by the combination of two main elements. The first kanji 「引」 (hiki) means "to pull" or "to attract," and the second set of characters 「分け」 (wake) derives from the verb "wakeru," which means "to divide" or "to separate." Together, these parts form the expression 「引き分け」 which, figuratively, can be understood as "pulling and dividing evenly," reflecting the idea of a neutral result where neither party can stand out sufficiently to win.

The cultural origin of the term dates back to an appreciation for harmony and balance, aspects that have historically been valued in Japanese society. In the world of sports, a 「引き分け」 can also be reflected in the attitudes of competitors who value fair play and mutual respect, regardless of the final outcome. This concept is intrinsic to many Japanese sports disciplines, such as sumo and judo, where the sport involves not only competition but also personal development and respect among competitors.

One curiosity is how 「引き分け」 can impact different types of activities beyond the sports world. In negotiations, for example, reaching a point of equilibrium where both parties are equally satisfied or dissatisfied could also be metaphorically described as a form of 「引き分け」. This understanding reinforces the idea that seeking balance can be just as valuable as the pursuit of victory.

Vocabulary

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Synonyms and similar words

• 引分け (Hikiwake) - Tie, equal result in a competition.
• 引き分 (Hikiwon) - Draw, a less common form, used in specific contexts.
• 引分 (Hikiwake) - Alternative term for tie, used generically.
• ひきわけ (Hikiwake) - Empate, hiragana pronunciation of the word.

引き分け

Romaji: hikiwake
Kana: ひきわけ
Type: noun
L: jlpt-n2, jlpt-n1

Translation / Meaning: a tie (in competition); draw game

Meaning in English: a draw (in competition);tie game

Definition: The state of having the same number of points.

Example Sentences - (引き分け) hikiwake

See below some example sentences:

引き分けは勝ちでも負けでもない。

Hikiwake wa kachi demo make demo nai

A draw is neither a victory nor a defeat.

Tie is not winning or losing.

• 引き分け - a tie
• 勝ち - victory
• 負け - defeat
• でも - also
• ない - negation