synonym Comparative
相手
VS
手ごわい
Differences Between "相手" and "手ごわい"
Option A
相手
Meaning
partner; opponent; companion
Reading
あいて (aite)
Syllabus Level
N3
Practical Example
彼女はいつも私の良い話し相手になってくれる。
She is always a good conversational partner for me.
Option B
手ごわい
Meaning
formidable, tough, strong (opponent/challenge)
Reading
てごわい (tegowa-i)
Syllabus Level
N2
Practical Example
次の対戦相手は、かなりの手ごわいチームだ。
The next opponent is a considerably formidable team.
Which one to use?
Select the correct Japanese word for this context
Which word fits this context: "(partner; opponent; companion)"?
🎉 正解 / Correct!
使い分け解説:
- 相手: Used to refer to the person one is interacting with, whether in conversation, a game, or a relationship. 議論の相手、話し相手など。
- 手ごわい: 相手が強くて手強いこと、または問題や課題が困難で解決が難しいこと。容易に勝てない、乗り越えられないといった意味合いがあります。(Describes an opponent that is strong and formidable, or a problem/challenge that is difficult to solve. Implies that one cannot easily win or overcome it.)
- 相手: Used to refer to the person one is interacting with, whether in conversation, a game, or a relationship. 議論の相手、話し相手など。
- 手ごわい: 相手が強くて手強いこと、または問題や課題が困難で解決が難しいこと。容易に勝てない、乗り越えられないといった意味合いがあります。(Describes an opponent that is strong and formidable, or a problem/challenge that is difficult to solve. Implies that one cannot easily win or overcome it.)
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