Synonym Nuance VS
How to say "Cross" in Japanese
Both words can translate to "cross", but which should you choose?
Japanese Option A
食い違う
くいちがう (kuichigau)
N2 / CEFR Syllabus
VS
Japanese Option B
太刀打ち
たちうち (tachiuchi)
N2 / CEFR Syllabus
Nuance Contrast & Translation Difference
When translating "cross" into Japanese, you must choose carefully between 食い違う and 太刀打ち.
In Japanese, 食い違う (くいちがう (kuichigau)) is typically associated with "to cross each other, to conflict, to differ, to disagree" (Syllabus Level: N2) and represents Used when opinions, statements, accounts, or expectations do not match, are inconsistent, or contradict each other. Often used with a preposition like 「と」 or 「が」..
On the other hand, 太刀打ち (たちうち (tachiuchi)) maps to "to cross swords with, to compete with, to contend with (often in negative form)" (Syllabus Level: N2) and represents Refers to competing or contending with an opponent on equal terms. It's often used in the negative form. A literal translation of "cross" can often sound unnatural to native Japanese speakers if mixed up!
Bilingual Context for "食い違う"
彼らの話はあちこちで食い違っていた。
Their stories were conflicting in various places.
Bilingual Context for "太刀打ち"
彼は天才的な才能の持ち主で、私には太刀打ちできない。
He possesses a prodigious talent, and I cannot compete with him.
Nuance Mastery Quiz
Which Japanese word perfectly fits this blank space?
Fill in the blank: "彼らの話はあちこちで食い違っていた。" (Meaning: "Their stories were conflicting in various places.")
🎉 Correct Answer!
Remember: "食い違う" fits here because it means "to cross each other, to conflict, to differ, to disagree" in the context of: "Their stories were conflicting in various places.". "太刀打ち" represents "to cross swords with, to compete with, to contend with (often in negative form)".